Fishing in March
March is the turn. Shallow water responds to the lengthening day first, fish begin to move towards it, and the first signs of insect life appear. Nothing is in a hurry yet, but for the first time in months the water has a direction.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
What the water is doing
On a sunny afternoon a weedy bay can be several degrees warmer than the middle of the lake, and fish start to use that ground. Feeding becomes more frequent though still not like spring proper, and many species begin moving towards the shallow water they will breed in.
On the bank, look for
- Look for the first signs of life in the shallowest, warmest water: baitfish flickering over a weedbed, ripples where fish are stirring, birds working a bank.
- Rivers run high from winter rain and often coloured. Coloured water gives a shy fish confidence, so a slightly heavier line is worth it.
- The first aquatic growth appears in clear, shallow water. Where you can see it, fish will follow - weed brings invertebrates, shelter and oxygen.
What to change this month
Move up in size and speed
Fish begin to take moving baits again. A slightly larger, slightly faster presentation than January's starts to work, particularly on warm afternoons.
Float-fish the shallows
As fish move up to feed over shallow, warming ground, a light float rig covers that water better than anything heavy and gets the bait at the right depth without effort.
Check your terminal tackle
Winter storage hides faults. Line that has sat on a spool for four months remembers its shape, and knots loosen as line stiffens. Re-rig before the season builds.
Fish worth chasing in march
Photos from Wikimedia Commons under free licences - credits on each species page.
Techniques that suit this month
Conditions that decide the day
Where this shows up
Guides worth reading first
Watch out for
- Some fisheries open in March and others close. The dates are published and vary by country, region and individual water - check before you plan a trip.
- Spring floods are fast and cold. A bank that was safe last week can be undercut today, and a river that was fishable can rise inches in an hour.
- Spawning fish are vulnerable and often protected. If you see fish in shallow, nest-like depressions, leave them and move on.
Questions about fishing in march
When does the fishing season start?
There is no single answer. Different species, waters and countries each have their own dates, and some coarse waters run all year while others close for months. Check the rules of the water you intend to fish rather than assuming a national start date.
Is March good for predator fishing?
It can be. Pike are often in shallow water preparing to spawn, and perch begin to school over deeper weed edges. Both suit a slow, close-in approach rather than covering large amounts of water.
Should I change my line for spring?
If it has spent the winter on the spool, yes. Check for limpness, nicks and memory, and re-spool anything that feels tired. Spring is the wrong time to lose a good fish to old line.