Fisherman's Lunar Calendar for July 13–19, 2026: Bite Forecast

UA NEWS 13 July 2026 07:30

The second week of July promises to be exciting and dynamic for fishing enthusiasts. Midsummer is the time when fish switch to their summer feeding pattern, responding to water temperature, oxygen levels, and the phases of the moon. By keeping an eye on astronomical indicators and the behavior of the bodies of water, you can significantly increase your chances of a substantial catch.

The Effect of Moon Phases on Bites (July 13–19)

During this period, the Moon moves from the new moon phase to the first quarter, which is traditionally considered a favorable time for the activity of most species of freshwater fish.

July 13–14 (waxing Moon): An excellent time for catching non-predatory fish. They actively search for food in shallow waters during the morning hours.
July 15–17 (first quarter): Peak activity for predatory fish. The brightness of the night sky gradually increases, stimulating night and dawn feeding runs by zander and catfish.
July 18–19 (Waxing Moon): Stable, average bite rate. Fish become more selective about lures, so it’s worth experimenting with different baits.

Detailed Forecast by Fish Species

Peaceful fish (Crucian carp, Carp, Bream, Roach)

Crucian carp and roach: The best time to fish is from dawn until 8:30 a.m., as well as before sunset. In deep sections of rivers, bream respond well to feeder rigs with bloodworms or maggots added to the groundbait.
Carp: On hot days, look for them near reed beds or in snags. Sweet scents (strawberry, corn, plum) and floating boilies (Pop-Up) work best.

Predatory Fish (Pike, Zander, Perch, Catfish)

Pike: In July, large pike move to deeper waters. They are most active at dawn. Use dark-colored soft plastic lures or spoons.
Zander: One of the best chances for a successful outing. Look for them along drop-offs, rocky ridges, and near bridge piers. The best time is late evening and the early hours after midnight.
Catfish: Night fishing with a quack or bottom rigs using live bait (live fish, a bunch of worms, or a frog) can yield excellent results, especially in the middle of the week.

Tips on Choosing the Right Time and Tactics

The main rule for July: The higher the air temperature, the shorter the window for active biting. Focus primarily on night fishing and the pre-dawn hours.

Choosing a spot: Look for areas with flowing water, stream outlets, as well as shaded trees and underwater depressions where the water contains more oxygen.
Bait: In hot weather, bait sparingly so as not to oversaturate the fish. Use a fine-grained mixture with the addition of spicy or sweet flavorings.
Tackle: Use thinner line and smaller hooks. The clear, still water in July makes the fish more cautious.

This is reported by UA.News.