Merphal resources
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Water temperature drives almost everything fish do. Understanding the seasons helps you know where to look and what to throw.
Spring
- Fish move shallow as water warms; bass and crappie spawn in protected coves.
- Northern walleye and southern stripers run up rivers.
- Slow presentations early, faster ones as water warms.
- Trout stocking season kicks off in many states.
Summer
- Fish early morning and evening when it's cooler.
- Target deep structure, shade, weed edges and moving water midday.
- Topwater lures shine at dawn and dusk.
- Inshore saltwater is busy — snook, tarpon and redfish are active.
Fall
- Fish feed heavily before winter — one of the best times of year.
- Follow baitfish into creeks and coves.
- Salmon and steelhead run up Great Lakes and Pacific rivers.
- Musky and big pike become more aggressive.
Winter
- Slow way down — fish are less active in cold water.
- Look for the deepest, most stable water.
- Ice fishing season in the North; only go out on safe, verified ice.
- In the South, winter can be prime time for trophy bass and crappie.
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