Seasonal Fishing Strategies: How to Adjust Techniques by Season

As The Byrds once sang, “To everything… turn, turn, turn… there is a season… turn, turn, turn.” And fishing is no exception. As the seasons turn, temperatures rise and fall, and fish react to the changes. So must anglers, to understand seasonal fish behavior at any given time of the year. Bajío Sunglasses is here to help, offering the perfect shades for year-round fishing—from dark winter months to bright, sunny summer days. Read on to learn a few seasonal fishing strategies and find out how Bajío can provide the tools for fishing success all year long.

Because most fish species are cold-blooded, they can’t regulate their body temperature, so they’re forced to adjust their metabolism to the temperature of the water around them. To start fishing in any season, you’ll want to first research the species that you are after (this article uses trout on Western rivers and streams as an example). But different fish may migrate or spawn in warmer water, while cooler water may trigger other migrations. Generally speaking, cool waters slow fish down, so they need less food. Warm waters make fish more active, thus needing more food to survive.

Spring Fishing: Reawakening Waters 

When Spring has sprung, anglers get excited, and for good reason. As the snow melts and water temperatures rise, fish activity is also on the rise after waking up from a long winter’s nap. While most fish do not hibernate per se, their movements and metabolism slow, and the need for food and oxygen decreases. Come spring, everything amps back up. The insects they eat are on a similar schedule.

For example, mayfly and stonefly nymphs live in cold ponds and streams (often beneath ice) feeding and growing all winter, then emerge as larger, tastier adults upon the arrival of spring. Thus luring fish with flies that mimic emerging insects is key for spring fishing.

Another important element for spring fishing is donning the appropriate eyewear for the conditions. Bajío Sunglasses with Copper or Rose Mirror lenses are the ideal choice for medium light transmission on spring days when fishing rivers, lakes, and under tree canopies or cloud cover. The copper and red base with brown polarized film combine to create a high-contrast lens that allows anglers to see deeper into the water and spot structures.

Summer Fishing: Adapting to Heat 

Summer fishing tactics are slightly different than spring as light is brighter and temps (both air and water) are higher. To escape the heat, fish go deeper and look for shaded habitats. It helps to time your fishing to occur outside of the midday heat, meaning early morning or late evening attempts are more productive. Using droppers or deeper-diving lures helps attract fish that are far below the surface.

During the sizzling months of summer, Bajío’s polarized lenses reduce glare and improve visibility in bright conditions. The Blue or Green Mirror, Bajío’s two darkest lenses, are recommended for fish spotting and eye protection when the sun is extremely bright. 

Fall Fishing: Capitalizing on Feeding Frenzy  

Similar to bears preparing to hibernate, fish need to consume more calories in autumn to survive the coming winter. As temps cool down, fish are less active in the early morning hours, but action heats up later in the day. With cooler weather, rain, clouds, and overcast skies, don’t shy away from fishing on fall days as the lower light and movement of fish to shallower waters can yield great results. Because insect hatches are fewer in the fall, anglers can match the hatch with terrestrials and streamers.

Bajío’s radically clear lenses can help identify schools of fish and changing water conditions in autumn. A switch from dark to medium Gray or Silver Mirror lenses is recommended as the calendar inches toward lower light conditions.

Winter Fishing: Overcoming Cold Challenges 

While not every angler is up for ice fishing, the coldest season of the year can achieve surprising results by following winter fishing tips. One bonus of winter fishing is that anglers avoid the crowds and the fish don’t feel the pressure they do in the high season. T

Although most fish don’t hibernate (minus gobies and koi), they do school in the deeper pools and slower water, feeding at a reduced rate compared to the warmer seasons when they need a greater caloric intake to accommodate a higher metabolism.

Using a strike indicator, weighted fly, and dead drift is critical in winter because fish won’t chase a fly in cold water. Look for rises as they go for midges, but don’t go too early as most surface mid-afternoon on clear, sunny days and all day on gray, snowy days.

For this season, Bajío offers shades made for lower light and longer nights. The lightest lenses in the line, Bajío’s Violet Mirror and Rose Mirror are ideal for cloudy overcast conditions, mountain environs, dusk, and dawn. With a few tips and the right tools a whole other season can open up for you, so don’t count winter out.

No matter the season, whenever the spirit moves you to get out on the water and follow your passion, remember these fishing techniques by season to set yourself up for success: Research the cycle of the species you’re fishing for (the above relates to Western rivers and trout streams); pay attention to water temperatures and how they affect fish behavior; consider the time of day you’re fishing (when the fish are most active); take note of what fish are eating to mimic their meals with your flies; and make sure you have the appropriate sunglasses and lenses for the right light and weather conditions. Then review the lens offerings and try the proper pair of Bajío Sunglasses for fishing success in any season.