How Moon Phase Impacts Walleye Fishing (Complete Guide)
Most anglers don’t pay enough attention to the moon phase for daytime and nighttime walleye fishing.
Moon phases influence walleye behavior. During new moons, walleye prefer noisy lures; in the first quarters, they favor natural baits; under full moons, they respond to glowing items; and in the last quarters, subtle baits work best.
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How Moon Phase Impacts Walleye Fishing
The lunar cycle is broken into four primary phases: New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter. Each unfolds a distinctive effect on walleye behavior, a nuance crucial to walleye fishing.
New Moon
The moon is covered during this phase, and the nights are their darkest. Walleyes thrive under new moons and fishing can be awesome. Walleye will draw into the shallows at night following schools of shad, perch, and even the occasional small bluegill.
This is one of the best times to fish for nighttime walleyes and even bank anglers without boats have a decent chance at catching some.
The darkest nights see walleye at their liveliest. Here’s what you can do. Zero in on shallow waters. Check areas with rocks or underwater plants, as walleye might hunt nearby. Go for baits that produce vibration, such as jigs that rattle, to grab their attention.
Walleye will be drawn in by their sense of feel in the nearly complete darkness. Quick retrieval can resonate with the walleye’s heightened energy. Stay alert for those quick bites.
Choose vibrant lures like spinnerbaits or rattling crankbaits.
- Bait Name: Strike King Red Eye Shad
- Color: Chrome Black Back
- Size: 1/2 oz
- Bait Name: Booyah Blade Spinnerbait
- Color: Chartreuse
- Size: 1/2 oz
- Bait Name: Rapala Rattlin’ Rapala
- Color: Silver Blue
- Size: 2 inches
- Bait Name: Terminator Super Stainless Spinnerbait
- Color: Hot Tip Chartreuse
- Size: 1/2 oz
- Bait Name: Live Nightcrawlers
- Color: Natural
- Size: 3-4 inches
First Quarter
As the moon gets brighter after the new moon, walleye change their behavior. They’re more active during the day, especially around dusk. Anglers should adjust their strategies and target them during these evening feeding times.
Early morning from around 2 hours before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunrise and an hour before sunset until 2 hours after dusk will be your prime fishing windows.
Walleye get busier during daylight, mainly as evening draws near. Pinpoint areas where shallow meets deep. Lookout for baitfish or underwater formations where walleye might group.
Go natural. Soft plastics, jigs, or live baits work best. Take it slow, emphasizing bait placement and a more finesse approach. Use lighter lines with a braid mainline with a fluorocarbon leader.
Earth-toned soft plastics, jigs, or live bait can hit the mark.
- Bait Name: Yamamoto Senko Worm
- Color: Green Pumpkin
- Size: 5 inches
- Bait Name: Strike King Bitsy Bug Mini Jig
- Color: Black Blue
- Size: 1/8 oz
- Bait Name: Zoom Trick Worm
- Color: Watermelon Red
- Size: 6.75 inches
- Bait Name: Live Minnows
- Color: Natural
- Size: 2-3 inches
- Bait Name: Gary Yamamoto Grub
- Color: Smoke Black Flake
- Size: 4 inches
Full Moon
When the moon is brightest, walleye become more careful. They’re less active at night but still feed during the day. Daytime fishing for walleyes will be your best bet. They will fill up during the day and be pretty lethargic at night.
Focus on early mornings around sunrise and late afternoons around sunset. Find schools of shad or perch near dropoffs and underwater rocks.
With the extra nighttime light, walleye are vulnerable to bigger fish like pike seeing them under the full moon. Here’s a way around their caution. Focus on deep channels and dropoffs where baitfish will bunch up.
Glow-in-the-dark baits or baits with a lot of vibration like spinners work the best. Take your time, focusing on a genuine and tempting bait movement.
Baits with lights or glowing paint can be the trick. Below is some baits I recommend.
- Bait Name: Berkley PowerBait Power Worms with Glow
- Color: Luminescent White
- Size: 7 inches
- Bait Name: Northland Tackle Glo-Shot Jig
- Color: Firetiger Glow
- Size: 1/8 oz
- Bait Name: Strike King KVD Perfect Plastics Blade Minnow with Glow
- Color: Ghost Shad
- Size: 4.5 inches
- Bait Name: Lindy Glow Streak
- Color: Purple Tiger
- Size: 2 inches
- Bait Name: Johnson Thinfisher Blade Bait with Glow
- Color: Firetiger Glow
- Size: 1/4 oz
Click here to learn how weather impacts walleye fishing. Click here to learn how water clarity impacts walleye fishing at night.
Last Quarter
As the moon returns to its New Moon phase, walleye activity slows. They become pickier about what they eat, so anglers must use more precise and patient methods to catch them.
Try fishing with larger baits and being more methodical, presenting baits slowly near rock pilings and humps. Early mornings and late afternoons will be best but nighttime fishing can be good.
With reduced activity, walleye are cautious. Areas with underwater structures or drops are great spots to find hungry walleye at night. Soft plastics or live bait are my favorite baits to use now.
Focus on a slow, steady retrieve rather than an erratic approach. The bites can be quite subtle or just be a weight on the end of your line. This is the time when you’ll see a lot of short strikes of walleyes not fully committing.
Go for subtle baits that replicate natural movements, like soft plastics.
- Bait Name: Zoom Finesse Worm
- Color: Watermelon Seed
- Size: 4.75 inches
- Bait Name: Keitech Swing Impact FAT Soft Plastic Bait
- Color: Ayu
- Size: 3.8 inches
- Bait Name: Ned Rig with TRD CrawZ
- Color: Green Pumpkin Orange
- Size: 2.5 inches
- Bait Name: Live Nightcrawlers
- Color: Natural
- Size: 3-4 inches
- Bait Name: Strike King KVD Dream Shot
- Color: Morning Dawn
- Size: 4 inches
Moon Phase Planner for Walleyes
Spring: New Moon and First Quarter stages are top-tier in spring, paving the way for intense walleye fishing action. Spring is a great time to catch walleye, especially spring just before the spawn. It is one of my favorite times to target big walleyes.
Summer: Summer’s Full Moon can be tricky, with walleye becoming more reserved. The Last Quarter moon might just be your lucky period if you’ve got the right strategy. Some of the biggest summer fish are caught around this moon date.
Fall: As walleye brace for winter, both the First and Last Quarter stages promise increased activity and golden opportunities for anglers. This is my favorite season to catch walleye in big numbers. They feed aggressively to pack on weight for winter and are much easier to catch if you can find them schooled up.
Winter: The cold months put the spotlight on the New Moon phase. If you’re into ice fishing, this is your time to shine.
Best Tips: Walleye Fishing & Moon Phases
Lunar Undercurrents: During a full moon, walleyes often move to shallower waters due to increased baitfish activity. Fish the first few feet of water during nighttime hours.
New Moon Night Vision: In the absence of moonlight, walleyes rely more on their lateral line. Use vibrating lures like lipless crankbaits to tap into this sensory advantage.
First Quarter Frenzy: As walleyes become more active post-sunset, target transition zones like drop-offs and weed edges where they hunt for prey.
Last Quarter Lures: Slow your retrieval speed. A slower, methodical retrieve mimics tired or injured prey.
Moonlit Minnows: During a full moon, utilize live minnows. Their natural shimmer can attract walleyes in the moon’s glow.
Silhouette Strategy: Cast your bait towards the moon on bright moon nights. The silhouette it creates can entice walleyes looking upwards.
Scent Marking: Use scented baits during new moons when visibility is low. Walleyes will rely more on their smell to find your lure.
Temperature Tells: Cold nights following a warm day during the first quarter moon can trigger walleye feeding frenzies. Adjust your fishing time accordingly.
Dusk and Dawn Delight: Walleyes are most active during these twilight hours, especially during the new and last quarter moon.
Noise Nuances: On darker nights, the sounds of rattling lures can be more effective than on well-lit nights.
Moon-Shadow Mastery: Fish in the shadows of structures under a bright moon. Walleyes use these areas as ambush points.
Vertical Variance: During full moons, try vertical jigging in deeper waters. The change in presentation can be enticing.
Moon-Driven Movements: Recognize that walleyes might migrate further during full moon phases. Adjust your fishing spots accordingly.
Depth Dynamics: During a new moon, fish deeper during the day and shallower at night, as walleyes adjust their depths based on light levels.
Barometric Behavior: A dropping barometer during any moon phase can signify increased walleye activity. Be prepared to capitalize.
Turbidity Tactics: On nights after heavy rainfall, target areas where cleaner water meets murkier water.
Windy Water Wisdom: Winds can push baitfish, and walleyes follow. Fish the windward side of a lake or river during any moon phase.
Lunar Lore: Some anglers believe walleyes bite best when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot. Use a lunar table to time your outings.
Artificial Illumination: On darker moon phases, consider using an underwater fishing light to attract baitfish and, in turn, walleyes.
Size Significance: On brighter nights, try larger baits to cast a more noticeable silhouette.
Finesse and Full Moons: Finesse techniques like drop-shotting can be surprisingly effective under bright moonlight.
Trolling Timings: Troll slower during new moons and pick up the pace during brighter phases.
Weather Windows: Cloud cover during a bright moon phase can be a blessing, offering a mix of shadow and light that can drive walleye to bite.
Turbulence Tips: After stormy nights, fish areas with turbulent waters, as the stirred-up ecosystem can attract feeding walleyes.
Weedbed Wisdom: During the last quarter, focus on weed beds. They offer both cover and ample food sources for walleye.
Moonrise Magic: Fishing during moonrise can be as effective as sunrise, with walleyes taking advantage of the increasing light.
Clear Water Caution: During bright moon phases in clear waters, walleyes can become skittish. Use a fluorocarbon line and more natural presentations.
FAQ: Walleye Frequently Asked Questions
Is walleye fishing good during a full moon?
Walleye fishing can be excellent during a full moon. The increased brightness makes walleyes more cautious at night but still feed actively during the day. Focus on early mornings and late afternoons, and consider using glow-in-the-dark baits or those with strong vibrations to entice them.
What is the best moon phase for walleye fishing?
The new moon phase is often considered the best for walleye fishing. During this phase, nights are darkest, prompting walleyes to venture into shallower waters in search of prey. Vibrating lures and baits that produce noise are most effective, as walleyes rely more on their sense of feel in the limited light.
Is walleye fishing good during a new moon?
Walleye fishing is typically excellent during a new moon. The darkness of the night makes walleyes more active, especially in shallow waters. Anglers often find success using vibrating lures or baits that generate noise, as walleyes depend on their heightened sense of feel in such low light conditions.
Does the moon affect walleye?
The moon significantly impacts walleye behavior. Different lunar phases dictate walleye feeding patterns, activity levels, and preferred habitats. For instance, a new moon often sees walleyes becoming more active in shallow waters, while a full moon might make them more cautious.
Conclusion
Moon phases significantly influence walleye behavior and feeding patterns, guiding anglers in bait selection and timing. In the new moon phase, the darkness boosts walleye activity, making noisy lures effective.
As the first quarter emerges, walleyes are active around dusk, favoring natural baits. Under the bright full moon, walleyes become cautious, best targeted during daytime using glow-in-the-dark baits. In the last quarter, walleyes grow selective, responding well to subtle, slow-moving baits that mimic natural prey.
