Fishing Calendar for September 14–20, 2026: How and What Fish to Catch in Mid-Fall

UA NEWS 14 September 2026 07:30

Mid-September is considered an excellent time for fishing, as the drop in water temperature triggers a period of active autumn fattening in most fish species in preparation for winter. From September 14 to 20, bodies of water gradually cool down, and algae settle to the bottom, making the water cleaner and clearer. As a result, predatory fish become more active and respond more eagerly to artificial lures, while non-predatory fish gather in schools and gradually move to deeper parts of the bodies of water.

At this time, it’s important to take atmospheric pressure into account, as stable or gradually decreasing pressure promotes good bites, while sudden fluctuations can temporarily reduce the activity of underwater inhabitants.

September 14 and 15 will be the ideal time to target predators, particularly pike and perch. As water clarity increases, pike actively hunt near reeds, shoreline edges, and snags; therefore, on these days, it’s best to use spoons, medium-diving wobblers, and natural-colored soft plastics. Perch gather in large schools during this time and actively hunt for fry in the upper and middle water layers, making spinners and micro jigs highly effective. Zander also begins to show high activity, but you should look for it late in the evening or at dawn in deep channel pits and on rocky bottoms, using jig rigs with large soft plastics.

From September 16 to 18, it’s worth focusing on catching non-predatory fish such as bream, roach, and crucian carp. As the water gets colder, the fish’s metabolism slows down, so they prefer nutritious baits of animal origin, making plant-based baits less effective. For successful fishing with a feeder or float rod, it is recommended to use earthworms, maggots, and bloodworms, as well as to add them in chopped form to your groundbait. At this time, bream and large roach tend to stay at depths of 3 to 5 meters, where the water temperature remains more stable, while crucian carp continue to move into shallower waters during the warm, sunny hours of the day.

The end of the week, September 19 and 20, is ideal for extended trips to large rivers and reservoirs. When fishing for carp or sazan at the end of the week, choose spots with slow currents, obstructed by trees, or with varying depths. Baiting should be moderate and high in calories, without the use of strong, sweet-smelling flavorings; instead, opt for spicy or meaty aromas. The best times to fish during this period are in the morning from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and in the evening before sunset, although predatory fish may bite actively throughout the daylight hours on cloudy days.