Best Time of the Day
To fish. Honestly, any time is the perfect time to fish. In a 24-hour cycle, when is the BEST time to wet a line, rig a pole, make a cast, or rip some lips?
Morning is a classic best choice. My buddy, Meatstick, loves getting up before the sun rises and heading out. In Montana, there may be longer driving needed to get to a fishing honey hole.
Getting up early is tough for me. If the fishing required an early riser approach, I am all in. If it doesn’t matter, we can leave, and fish later.
My Brother loves to go early so we can stop for breakfast, donuts, or other relevant fast food. I usually sleep on the way.
Taking kids fishing means when they can go. Their attention span is very short. If it’s too cold, windy, hot, or nasty, the trip will not last very long. Have fun and make the trip enjoyable. Snacks, treats, and lots of attention are needed.
When you are retired, weekday fishing means waters are less crowded, and you don’t need to be fishing at the crack.
Nighttime fishing can be amazing. Many fly guys don’t realize that the caddis hatch explodes later at night. Using larger, black ties can be amazing on a full moon night. Some of the biggest Brown trout of my life were caught after midnight.
Hoot Owl regulations may dictate when you can legally and ethically fish. When the waters flow becomes too low and the temperature rises, these watersheds get closed. The fishing is done at 2PM -Midnight.
Evening fishing can be glorious. In Big Sky Country you can still tie a knot, in June, at 10PM. Using a red flashlight allows you to function in the dark and not lose your night vision.
Ice fishing is good when you find the fish. Meatstick still wants to get to the Ice Holes early but I usually fish 10-2. More light means more bites. The fish need to see, to eat. Some species such as Ling/Burbot feed better at night.
Walleye fishing is almost always better early and late. These tasty fish begin to cruise the shallower water when there is less light. Their eyes are better suited for low light. Pike prefer sunny and brighter days, so later fishing is better.
Every angler has their favorite and best time to fish. What time is your favorite?
Montana Grant
