Big Steelie
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Moon phase effect on salmon?
Looking at my journal at past years of fishing Erie for steelhead I've noticed full moon = lower catch numbers. Has anyone noticed any effects of the full moon on the salmon fishing?
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McFishin
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RE: Moon phase effect on salmon?
2009/08/31 14:08:24
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i haven't kept a log, nor have i paid attention to the moon on my fishing excursions, but i had a friend that did his senior seminar on photoperiods, moon phases, etc and their effect on salmonoids. he got an A and the entire thing was that yes, everything the moon/sun does, affects the fish chemically and biologically. this is pretty obvious but his research was in depth and interesting. i would venture to say that the full moon either make the fishing awesome, or kills it.
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OldSalt
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RE: Moon phase effect on salmon?
2009/08/31 14:44:30
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Big Steelie,
Yes without a doubt, not just Salmon/Steelie but all fish are affected. The strongest periods are during the four phases, new moon, full moon, 1st quarter and last quarter. The phases affect their aggression and sexual activity which stimulate biting.
I have found that fishing around the new moon phase is the best. I do have extensive charts on peak hours and days around all four phases.
As the moon phases affect gravitational pull, fishing saltwater is greatly affect with the tidal changes and have found that moon phase fishing is strongest along the coast.
Tight Lines,
OldSalt
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Big Steelie
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RE: Moon phase effect on salmon?
2009/08/31 14:58:24
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Thanks for the info guys. I'm trying to plan my annual trip up there as I think it may only be one trip this year due to the economy and realized the dates I originally picked hit on a full moon. I was curious if the salmon ran better and hit better on a full or new moon or if water flow was more of a determining factor. I guess later in the season ensures more fish, but I prefer catching coho over mudsharks and don't the coho run earlier or am I mistaken?
post edited by Big Steelie - 2009/08/31 15:00:14
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pafisher
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RE: Moon phase effect on salmon?
2009/09/01 00:20:28
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Usually the Coho run early with the first run of Kings.My experience runs the same as Old Salt,new moon seems to be best,but with Salmon you never know.
There is a large presence of fish in the estuary right now and with the cooler temps and water release I declare that the run is on!
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Big Steelie
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RE: Moon phase effect on salmon?
2009/09/01 10:03:50
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Can't wait for things to get going. My buddy will be fly fishing for the first time this year. Should be entertaining. I've been giving him pointers & tying flies, just need the fish to show up.
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salmotrutta
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RE: Moon phase effect on salmon?
2009/09/01 10:41:58
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OldSalt
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RE: Moon phase effect on salmon?
2009/09/06 14:25:38
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The fish moved up with the full moon, 750 may have helped also, but they more than likley came in at night befor the flow reached the estuary.
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Big Steelie
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RE: Moon phase effect on salmon?
2009/09/07 23:00:16
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Thanks OldSalt. I saw that they still came in despite the full moon. I guess when they're ready, they will come in! I guess I won't worry too much about the moon & salmon run connection.
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salmotrutta
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RE: Moon phase effect on salmon?
2009/09/08 02:28:10
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Night fishing for Big Trouts on a full moon is crap, otherwise I donno.
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Big Steelie
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RE: Moon phase effect on salmon?
2009/09/08 12:25:03
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My theory is that maybe it isn't as big of an issue with the salmon because they aren't actively feeding and are only hitting out of aggression. The "need to breed" apparently takes presidence over whether they like the dark.
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