Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle Whitley
Trout fishing is a popular pastime enjoyed by anglers worldwide. Let’s take a look at the best trout fishing time of day.
While catching trout can be an exciting experience, it can also be challenging. One of the factors that can affect the success of a trout fishing trip is the time of day.
Knowing the best time of day to fish for trout can significantly increase the chances of success. Several fishing experts say the best time to catch trout is early morning, before and during sunrise. This is because trout do not have eyelids, so they seek shaded areas away from direct sunlight during the day. Additionally, the water temperature plays a crucial role in trout fishing. Trout are cold-water fish, so the best time of day to fish for them depends on the water temperature.
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Best Time of Day for Trout Fishing
Trout fishing is a popular pastime for many anglers, and knowing the best time of day to fish can greatly increase your chances of catching a trout. Factors like food availability, species of trout, and time of day can all play a role in determining the best time to fish. Here are some tips for the best times to fish for trout throughout the day.
Early Morning
The early morning is often considered the best time to fish for trout. This is because the water is cool, and the trout are more actively searching for food. The best time to fish during this period is from dawn until 2 hours after sunrise. You can use dry flies or nymphs to catch trout during this time.
Morning
After the early morning period, the trout will still be active but may not be as aggressive as earlier. The best time to fish during this period is from 2 hours after sunrise until mid-morning. You can use streamers or wet flies to catch trout during this time.
Late Morning
In the late morning, the water temperature rises, and the trout may become less active. The best time to fish during this period is mid-morning until late morning. You can use nymphs or small streamers to catch trout during this time.
Middle of the Day
During the middle of the day, the water temperature is at its warmest, and the trout may be less active. The best time to fish during this period is from late morning until early afternoon. You can use nymphs or small streamers to catch trout during this time.
Late Afternoon
In the late afternoon, the water temperature starts to cool down, and the trout become more active again. The best time to fish during this period is from 2 hours before sunset until dusk. You can use dry flies or streamers to catch trout during this time.
Evening
The evening is when the water temperature is cool, and the trout are actively feeding. The best time to fish during this period is from dusk until 2 hours after sunset. You can use dry flies or streamers to catch trout during this time.
Night
Night fishing for trout can be a unique and exciting experience. Trout will feed throughout the night, but early morning and late evening offer the best trout fishing on most days and seasons. You can use streamers or wet flies to catch trout during this time.
Overall, the best time of day to fish for trout depends on various factors like food availability, species of trout, and time of day. By understanding these factors, anglers can increase their chances of catching a trout.
Seasonal Considerations
When it comes to trout fishing, the season plays a significant role in determining the best time of day to fish. The best time of day for catching trout can vary depending on the season, water temperature, rain conditions, and other factors. Here are some seasonal considerations to keep in mind when planning a trout fishing trip:
Spring
Spring is the most popular and arguably the best time to fish for trout. Water temperatures are warming up, insects are hatching, and hungry trout are on the move. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for trout this season. Midday can be perfect if it’s overcast, cloudy, or rainy. If it’s sunny and hot, avoid fishing midday.
Summer
The best time to fish for trout in summer is early morning and late afternoon. Midday can be perfect if it is overcast, cloudy, or rainy. If it’s sunny and hot, avoid fishing midday. Trout are most actively feeding in comfortable water temperatures between 34 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Trout feeding picks up just as the water temperature rises one degree above 40, 45, and 49 degrees Fahrenheit, so taking the water temperature every hour is beneficial.
Fall
The best time to fish for trout in the fall is early morning and late afternoon. Cooler temperatures mean that trout are more active and feeding more often. Midday can be perfect if it’s overcast, cloudy, or rainy. If it’s sunny and hot, avoid fishing midday. Trout will often move into shallower water in the fall, so fishing near cover such as logs, rocks, or undercut banks can be productive.
Winter
Winter is the most challenging season for trout fishing. Ice fishing is popular during this time of year but requires specialized equipment and techniques. For those who prefer traditional fishing, the best time to fish for trout in the winter is during the warmest part of the day when the water temperature is at its highest. Trout are often found in deeper pools and slower-moving water during this season.
Overall, the best time to fish for trout depends on various factors, including the season, water temperature, weather conditions, and species. By considering these seasonal considerations, anglers can increase their chances of catching trout in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs year-round.
Environmental Factors
Trout fishing success is highly dependent on environmental factors. In this section, we will discuss the most critical factors that affect trout behavior and feeding patterns.
Water Temperature
Water temperature is one of the most crucial factors that influence trout behavior. According to Jay Ford Thurston, a trout fishing and behavior expert, trout most actively feed in comfortable water temperatures between 34 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
In warmer water, trout become less active and seek cooler, oxygen-rich areas. In colder water, their metabolism slows down, and they become less active.
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved oxygen is essential for trout survival, requiring a minimum of 5 mg/L to thrive. Trout are more active and feed aggressively in areas with higher dissolved oxygen levels. Therefore, anglers should look for good water flow and aeration areas, such as riffles and runs.
Insects
Trout are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of insects, including mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. Anglers should pay close attention to the insect hatches in their area and match their flies accordingly. Trout feeding patterns are also influenced by the time of day and season, so observing the water and adjusting your approach is essential.
Prey Items
Trout also feed on other prey items, such as small fish, crayfish, and worms. Anglers should consider the availability of these prey items when selecting their lures or bait. For example, using a worm or crayfish imitation may be more effective in areas with abundant prey items.
Depth
Trout behavior and feeding patterns are also influenced by water depth. During the day, trout will seek deeper areas with cooler water temperatures. They may move into shallower areas to feed in the early morning and late evening.
Shade and Cloud Cover
Trout are more likely to be found in shaded areas during bright, sunny days. Cloud cover can reduce the amount of direct sunlight, making trout more active and willing to feed.
Direct Sunlight
Trout do not have eyelids and are sensitive to bright sunlight. Therefore, they are more likely to be found in shaded areas during the day.
Moonlight
Trout feeding patterns are also influenced by moonlight. During a full moon, they may feed more actively at night and be less active during the day.
Contrast
Trout are more likely to strike at lures or bait that stand out from their surroundings. Therefore, using lures or bait with high contrast may be more effective in attracting trout.
Water Column
Trout behavior and feeding patterns can also vary depending on their location in the water column. For example, trout may move to deeper areas with cooler water temperatures during the summer. In the fall, they may move closer to the surface to feed on insects and other prey items.
Fishing Techniques and Tips
Lures
Trout fishing lures come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Anglers can choose from spinners, spoons, jigs, plugs, and soft plastic baits.
Successful trout anglers recommend using lures that mimic the natural prey of your target species. For example, if you are fishing for rainbow trout, use lures resembling small minnows or insects.
When using lures, you must vary your retrieve speed and depth until you find what works best. Trout are known to be curious and will often strike a lure that is presented in a way that mimics their prey’s natural movement.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a popular angling method for catching trout. It involves using a lightweight fly rod and line to cast a fly that resembles an insect or other small prey.
Successful fly fishing for trout requires anglers to understand the insect life in the area and what the trout are feeding on.
When fly fishing for trout, it is essential to match the hatch. This means selecting a fly resembling the insects hatching in the water. Anglers can also try using attractor flies, which do not resemble any specific insect but are designed to provoke a strike from curious fish.
Trout Species
Trout come in many different species, each with their unique characteristics and habits. Knowing the differences between these species can help anglers better understand how to catch them.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are one of the most popular trout species for anglers to catch. They are known for their beautiful colors and their tendency to put up a good fight when caught.
Rainbow trout are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of insects, crustaceans, and small fish. They are often found in fast-moving streams and rivers, but can also be found in lakes and ponds.
Brown Trout
Brown trout are another popular species of trout. They are known for their large size and their elusive nature, making them a challenge for anglers to catch.
Brown trout are carnivorous and will eat a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish. They are often found in deep pools and undercuts in streams and rivers but also in lakes and ponds.
Brook Trout
Brook trout, also known as speckled trout, are a smaller species found in cold, clear streams and rivers. They are known for their beautiful colors and their willingness to take a fly. Brook trout are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are a larger species of trout that are found in deep, cold lakes. They are known for their silver color and their preference for deep water.
Lake trout are carnivorous and will eat a variety of prey, including other fish. They are often caught using downriggers and other deep-water fishing techniques.
Overall, understanding the different species of trout and their habits can help anglers become more successful in catching them. By knowing what each species eats and where they are likely to be found, anglers can tailor their fishing techniques to increase their chances of success.
Summing it Up: Best Trout Fishing Time of Day
Trout fishing can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but knowing the best time of day is essential to increase your chances of success. After researching and analyzing various sources, here are some key takeaways regarding the best time of day to catch trout:
- Early morning from sunrise until two hours after sunrise, is the most productive time to fish for trout. This is because trout have good low-light vision and a hunting advantage in the dimmer early morning.
- Late afternoon, from two hours before sunset until dusk, can also be an excellent time to catch trout. During this time, the water temperature is more relaxed, and the fish are more active.
- The best time to troll for trout is early mornings from sunset until mid-morning and late afternoon until dusk when it gets too dark for trout to see well.
- The ideal time of day to fish for trout can vary depending on the season and the water temperature. For example, when the air temperature is between 61-65 degrees Fahrenheit, the best time to fish for trout is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In summary, the best time of day to catch trout is early morning from sunrise until two hours after sunrise and late afternoon from two hours before sunset until dusk. However, the ideal time can vary depending on the season and water temperature. By understanding these factors, anglers can increase their chances of a successful trout fishing trip.
