Mushroom Hunter's Calendar for August 17–23, 2026: Which Mushrooms to Pick

UA NEWS 17 August 2026 08:15

The second half of August is the prime time for fans of “quiet hunting.” Thanks to the warm soil and nighttime dew, both summer and fall mushroom species begin to grow actively in the forests. The period from August 17 to 23 promises to be a good time for foraging, provided you know where to look and which days are most favorable.

August 17–18: Hunting for the Main Trophies

The start of the week is the perfect time for those who dream of finding those “picture-perfect” mushrooms. On these days, don’t be lazy—venture a little deeper into the thicket, where the nighttime moisture lingers.

Head to oak groves or old pine forests. Right now, that’s where plump boletes, beautiful honey mushrooms with bright caps, and birch mushrooms are beginning to emerge in large numbers. Don’t look for them in dry thickets, but rather on mossy clearings, along old trails, and near clearings where the sun breaks through.

The main secret these days is to arrive as early as possible. First, you’ll be the first to pick the firmest mushrooms. Second, the morning dew beautifully reflects the sun, and the caps of these noble mushrooms literally sparkle in the grass.

August 19–20: Time for Full Baskets for Frying and Pickling

If your goal is to quickly fill a few buckets or baskets with something really delicious, plan your trip for Wednesday or Thursday. On these days, a surge in smaller but very abundant mushrooms is expected.

Head to the young pine groves—that’s where you’ll find butter mushrooms. The main rule with these is: don’t wait too long to prepare them, because they soften quickly. In the lowlands and among the birch trees, entire glades of chanterelles will turn yellow, and you can gather them by the armful. Forest champignons, crunchy russulas, and even scattered clusters of the first autumn honey mushrooms on old stumps are also starting to appear in abundance. These are the best days to fry up a pan of potatoes with chanterelles and onions in the evening or to preserve a couple of jars of tender butter mushrooms for the winter.

August 21–22: Stocking Up for the Cold Winter

Friday and Saturday are the peak days of the week. The forest is at its most bountiful during this time, so it’s the perfect moment for those who are seriously stocking up: drying, pickling, or freezing.

During this period, keep an eye out for moss caps, Polish mushrooms (which are often just as good as white mushrooms), and red-capped mushrooms. In birch and spruce groves, white and black honey mushrooms and wavy caps are appearing—the best finds for fans of classic cold salting.

Walk slowly, and use a stick or your hand to part suspicious mounds of last year’s leaves and pine needles—it’s right underneath them that the juiciest mushrooms are hiding right now, ones that others haven’t spotted yet.

August 23: A leisurely walk and a break for the soul

By Sunday, the forest is usually already well “trampled” by mushroom hunters over the weekend, and the mushrooms themselves take a short break after three days of vigorous growth. So it’s best to take it easy on this day.

Don’t try to set a record for the amount you collect. Head into the woods not so much to fill your basket as to enjoy the experience: breathe in the pine-scented air, listen to the birds, and scout out new clearings for the future. If you’re lucky, you’re sure to find a few chanterelles or a couple of late boletes for a fresh soup.

And the most important reminder: if you have even a one-percent doubt about a mushroom—leave it in the forest. No full basket is worth ending up on an IV drip. Also, don’t pick overripe, worm-eaten, or unfamiliar mushrooms, and avoid picking near highways or industrial areas.