Minnesota Fishing Forecast
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Today's fishing forecast with solunar feeding times, moon phase data, barometric pressure, and best times to fish for walleye, bass, pike, and crappie.
Today's Fishing Forecast
Understanding Solunar Feeding Times
Solunar theory, developed by John Alden Knight in 1926, predicts peak fish feeding activity based on the position of the moon and sun. Fish consistently feed more aggressively during these windows.
Major Period
~2 hoursTrigger: Moon directly overhead or underfoot
The strongest feeding periods occur when the moon is at its zenith (directly overhead) or nadir (directly underfoot). These periods typically last 1.5 to 2.5 hours and produce the most aggressive feeding activity.
Minor Period
~1 hourTrigger: Moonrise and moonset
Secondary feeding periods coincide with moonrise and moonset. These windows are shorter (45 minutes to 1.5 hours) but still produce noticeably better fishing than random times.
Moon Phase Fishing Guide
The lunar cycle affects both the timing and intensity of fish feeding activity. Here's how each phase impacts your fishing.
Best Times to Fish by Species
Different species have different peak feeding windows. Combine these species-specific times with today's solunar data for the best results.
Walleye have exceptional low-light vision. They feed most aggressively during dawn, dusk, and into the night. Full moon nights can produce outstanding nighttime walleye action, but may slow the daytime bite.
Peak Hours: 5:00 AM - 8:00 AM / 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Pike are sight feeders and most active in moderate light. Unlike walleye, pike prefer daylight hours. They're less affected by moon phase but respond well to solunar major periods.
Peak Hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Bass feeding aligns well with solunar tables. Topwater bites are best at dawn during major solunar periods. Full moon periods produce excellent pre-dawn topwater action in summer.
Peak Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM / 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Crappie are very lunar-sensitive. New moon and last quarter phases produce the best daytime bites. Full moon pushes feeding to nighttime. Under docks with lights during full moons can be outstanding.
Peak Hours: 5:30 AM - 8:30 AM / 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Current Conditions at Minnesota Lakes
Today's real-time weather data including barometric pressure, wind, and fishing condition ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to fish today?
The best times to fish are during solunar major periods (when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot) and minor periods (moonrise and moonset). Dawn and dusk remain universally productive, especially when they coincide with solunar periods. Check our daily forecast above for today's specific feeding windows.
What is a solunar table and how does it help fishing?
A solunar table predicts when fish will be most active based on the positions of the sun and moon. Developed by John Alden Knight in 1926, solunar theory identifies four daily feeding periods: two major periods (~2 hours when the moon is overhead/underfoot) and two minor periods (~1 hour at moonrise/moonset).
Does the moon phase really affect fishing?
Yes. Fish sense gravitational changes through their swim bladders and lateral lines. New moon and last quarter phases generally produce the best daytime fishing, while full moon periods are best for nighttime fishing. Walleye and crappie are especially sensitive to lunar phases.
What is the fishing forecast for Minnesota today?
Today's forecast depends on barometric pressure, moon phase, solunar periods, water temperature, and weather conditions. Use the real-time forecast tool above which combines all factors into an overall rating with specific best times for each Minnesota lake.
Related Fishing Resources
Solunar data based on USNO moon position calculations. Weather data from National Weather Service via OpenWeatherMap. Fishing insights informed by decades of Minnesota angling experience and fisheries research.
Last updated: February 2026 | Check barometric pressure | Lake weather conditions