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In the world of muskie fishing, seasoned anglers often rely on a combination of knowledge, experience, and a touch of intuition to maximize their success on the water. One aspect that many accomplished muskie fishermen and women consider is the influence of moon phases on these elusive predators.

Drawing on years of hands-on experience, I always incorporate moon phase planning into my guiding strategies. Here’s a brief insight into how I approach it:

1. Full Moon Magic: My muskie guiding experience has proven that the full moon is a prime time to target these apex predators. The increased brightness during the night may encourage muskies to be more active and feed actively. Many expereinced muskie hunters believe that the well-lit conditions make it easier to locate muskies, and the heightened visibility could lead to more aggressive strikes.
2. New Moon Ambush: Conversely, the new moon, with its darker nights, is seen as an opportunity for muskies to use stealth and ambush tactics. Experienced guides recognize that muskies, being opportunistic predators, may take advantage of the cover provided by the darkness to surprise their prey. This often leads to muskies being more active in low-light situations.

   

   3. Lunar Positions: I often go beyond just considering the moon phases and pay attention to the moon’s position in the sky. Specific lunar positions, such as when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot, are thought to trigger heightened feeding activity in muskies.  Additionally, the gravitational pull of the moon is thought to influence the movement and feeding patterns of fish. My experience has shown muskies tend to be more active during specific moon positions, such as when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot.

3. Integrating with Other Factors: While moon phases play a role, I also understand the importance of considering other factors. Weather conditions, water temperature, weed growth, boat position lure choice, reel speed and the time of year all contribute to the overall fishing equation. The lunar cycle is just one piece of the puzzle that I use to optimize my chances of putting clients on trophy muskies.

In the end, I combine all the various elements, and moon phase planning is just one aspect of my comprehensive strategy. It’s crucial for me to adapt to changing conditions to help increase my clients success on the water.

Check out our Weather Forecast and Moon Phase Calendar tools on our website to help plan your fishing adventure to Rowan Lake!

Keep a tight line…

~ Kris

Kris Alexander
Lead Guide
Alexander’s on Rowan