MORE FISH ON A FULL MOON
by Don Allphin
During the springtime bass become more active during the full moon phase than at most other times. This conclusion did not come to me through personal observation alone, but it is now widely accepted by fisheries biologists and researchers as well. The reason for increased activity on the full moon relates more to reproduction than any other factor. It seems that after a long winter’s nap, bass awaken to the age-old desire to make little fish — and so the courtship begins.
The reproductive processes of bass have been broken down into three stages: prespawn, spawn, and postspawn. Each stage is critical for rearing a healthy brood of new fish. Let’s take a look at the part of this cycle most affected by the full moon.
The bass spawn begins sometime after the water temperature has stabilized above 55 degrees and the first full moon (after the rise in temperature) approaches. Anglers, biologists, and researchers agree that the three days in front of, and the three days following a full moon are the best times to find bass on or near their nests. I believe the electromagnetic interactions between the sun, moon and earth are their strongest leading up to each full moon, and it is this electromagnetism that is felt by the bass and are urged to begin the spawn.
Bass sense the desire to make nests, and to move from the prespawn stage to the spawn. Nests are generally formed by the male bass and are maintained by the females as they ready themselves to drop their eggs. Once dropped, the males fertilize the eggs and the within a few days baby fish immerge from the nest. While a bass is on her nest, she will strike at lures and baits only out of a desire to protect the nest and not necessarily to eat. Some people believe bass don’t eat at all during the spawn, but I disagree. They may not chase bait around a lake or stream but if something lands next to their mouths, they will eat, trust me on this one.
Right now, with the full moon directing the action, bass on Utah Lake, Deer Creek, Jordanelle, and even Flaming Gorge are heading toward the peak of the spawn. Target these fish by using weightless 4- or 5-inch Senkos. Find a shallow flat and just toss the bait in 2 to 3 feet of water. Bass, even ones that are spawning, can’t resist the presentation of a slow-falling Senko. The bass might even run with your bait so be ready
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