A wonderful spring time for fishing has come. In April 2026, there is no frost and strong winds, accordingly, according to our lunar fisherman’s calendar, the best fish bite is expected in the periods from April 5 to 9 and from April 18 to 22. It is on these days that the lunar cycle (the moon is taken into account relative to the globe, which affects processes on the ground) maximally contributes to the activity of both predatory and peaceful fish.
Please note: as of now, the “quiet season” is underway, as April is also the time of “high water” and the beginning of spawning. Fishing at this time in non-private water bodies is prohibited and punishable by an administrative fine.
If you follow the rules and fish in a permitted, specially designated private fishing area, the success of your fishing will depend not only on our fishing calendar, where the data is approximate and depends on the phase of the moon, and this article is for informational purposes only , but also on the water temperature, which should warm up to +8–10°C.
Moon phases in April 2026 and their effect on fish
The moon directly affects the Earth’s gravity – no one here disputes this, because it was scientifically proven many years ago, but what do all living organisms in the water feel? An ichthyologist (fish expert) consulted us to write this material, and he notes: changes in pressure and light at night force fish to change depth and feeding intensity.
Fishing instructions from an expert fisherman:
- Full Moon (April 2): Fish become cautious, often “sick” and react poorly to artificial baits. Biting is weak.
- Waning Moon (April 3–16): A good time for bottom fishing. The activity of peaceful fish gradually increases.
- New Moon (April 17): The lowest point of activity. The fish are passive, there is practically no biting.
- Waxing Moon (April 18–30): “Golden Time” for fishing. Fish metabolism speeds up, they begin to actively search for food in shallow water.
Accurate fisherman’s calendar for April 2026 by day – fish bite schedule
Use this table from our expert to prepare this material to plan your trip to the reservoir. The forecast is based on the lunar calendar and many years of observations of the activity of ichthyofauna in Ukraine.
| Date | Day of the week | Moon Phase | Biting (1-5) | Recommendations: what to catch and what to use |
| April 1 | Wed | Before the full moon | 2/5 | Fish are cautious. Only delicate tackle for professional fishermen |
| April 2 | Thu | Full | 1/5 | Worst day. The fish is passive. |
| April 3 | Fri | Beginning of the decline | 2/5 | You can try catching perch on the shallows. |
| April 4 | Sat | Waning Moon | 3/5 | The pike is activated on bright silicone. |
| April 5 | Sun | Waning Moon | 4/5 | The beginning of the spring gossip season. |
| April 6 | Mon | Waning Moon | 5/5 | A wonderful bite! A gossip, a glutton for bloodworms. |
| April 7 | Tue | Waning Moon | 5/5 | Peak activity of white fish in rivers. |
| April 8 | Wed | Waning Moon | 5/5 | Pike feed actively after spawning. |
| April 9 | Thu | Waning Moon | 4/5 | Stable perch and ruff bite. |
| April 10 | Fri | Last quarter | 3/5 | Average bite. The fish is moving deeper. |
| April 11 | Sat | Waning Moon | 3/5 | The crucian carp is starting to come out into the warm water. |
| April 12 | Sun | Waning Moon | 3/5 | A good day for topwater fishing. |
| April 13 | Mon | Waning Moon | 2/5 | Activity decreases due to the approach of the new moon. |
| April 14 | Tue | Waning Moon | 2/5 | Try fishing on a feeder with lots of bloodworms. |
| April 15 | Wed | Waning Moon | 2/5 | The fish is fickle with the bait. |
| April 16 | Thu | Before the new moon | 1/5 | The bite is weak and unstable. |
| April 17 | Fri | New Moon | 1/5 | Critically low activity. |
| April 18 | Sat | Waxing moon | 3/5 | The beginning of increased activity. Look for crucian carp in the reeds. |
| April 19 | Sun | Waxing moon | 4/5 | It’s a beautiful day. The bream are starting to come to the shore. |
| April 20 | Mon | Waxing moon | 5/5 | Fishing boom! Almost everything bites on worms. |
| April 21 | Tue | Waxing moon | 5/5 | The best time for catching big crucian carp. |
| April 22 | Wed | Waxing moon | 5/5 | The fish are going to spawn en masse. |
| April 23 | Thu | Waxing moon | 4/5 | Active pike perch bite on a jig (from the shore!). |
| April 24 | Fri | Waxing moon | 4/5 | Good carp bite in shallow ponds. |
| April 25 | Sat | First quarter | 3/5 | A short lull before the next peak. |
| April 26 | Sun | Waxing moon | 4/5 | Tench is becoming more active in quiet, long bays. |
| April 27 | Mon | Waxing moon | 4/5 | Stable bite of white fish on maggots. |
| April 28 | Tue | Waxing moon | 5/5 | The maximum food intake of crucian carp before spawning. |
| April 29 | Wed | Waxing moon | 5/5 | Great time for evening fishing. |
| April 30 | Thu | Waxing moon | 4/5 | The fish is active, but becomes picky about smells. |
Read also: Weather for April 2026 in Ukraine: Easter forecast, temperature swings, unexpected rains
Spawning Ban 2026: Where and How You Can Fish Legally
In April, the spawning ban of 2026 comes into effect in most regions of Ukraine . As a professional journalist and fisherman at heart, in practice:
- Where allowed: Only within settlements in specially designated areas (see orders of local departments of the State Fish Agency).
- Tackle: Only one float or bottom fishing rod with one hook or one spinning rod from the shore.
- Prohibited: Any watercraft (boats), spearfishing, and the use of more than one gear.
- Fines: Violation of fishing rules provides for administrative fines and compensation for each illegally caught fish (for example, for one pike – 3468 UAH, for a crucian carp – 1581 UAH).
What to fish for in April: expert advice
April fishing is a transition from winter to summer diet. The water is still cold, so the fish’s metabolism is slowed down.
Predator (pike, perch, zander)
Fishing for pike in April after their spawning season (which usually ends in March) can be very productive. Look for them on the edge of reeds and open water. Small minnows or bright silicone (acid colors) work best, as the water in April is often murky due to flooding.
Peaceful fish (bream, crucian carp, bream)
Forget about corn or mastic. In April, “meat” works.
- Bloodworm: The best bait for bream and bream.
- Worm: A versatile choice for spring crucian carp.
- Maggot: Works well in a pair with a bloodworm (“sandwich”).
Folk signs for fishermen in April
Our ancestors didn’t have smartphones with forecasts, but they read nature like an open book:
- If the birch produces a lot of sap, the pike bite will be short but furious.
- The willow has bloomed – it’s time to prepare the gear for gossip.
- When the bird cherry blossoms bloom, a large golden crucian carp begins to “take”.
- Thunder in April on a bare tree means a bad bite during the week.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it possible to fish from a boat in April?
No. Since the beginning of the spawning ban, any small vessels (even without a motor) have been strictly prohibited from entering the water, except for vessels of regulatory authorities.
What fish is most active in mid-April?
The most active are the roach (which goes in large flocks to spawn) and the perch, which actively feeds on fry in warm areas.
Does atmospheric pressure affect the bite more than the moon?
Yes. It is ideal for fish when the pressure is stable for 2-3 days. A sharp jump in pressure will “turn off” the bite even on the most favorable day according to the lunar calendar.
Conclusion for fishermen for April 2026. This month gives excellent chances for success if you take into account the phases of the moon and follow the law. Remember: we take from nature only what we need, and let the rest grow. Delicious soup and no tail, no scales!
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