Patterson Lake Fishing Forecast & Best Fishing Times

Solunar Feeding Windows & Best Fishing Times

Lunar transit, moon phase, and astronomical bite timing for Patterson Lake

Today, October 10

New Moon · 1% Lit

Major feeding periods coincide with lunar transit (moon overhead and underfoot); minor periods occur during moonrise and moonset.

Next Major WindowPeak Bite

Tomorrow · 1:40 PM CDT – 3:40 PM CDT

Moon Overhead (Transit) · Major Transit

Best Window

12:53 PM CDT – 2:53 PM CDT

Moon Overhead (Transit)

Secondary Window

1:17 AM CDT – 3:17 AM CDT

Moon Underfoot (Antitransit)

Feeding Window	Period Type	Astronomical Trigger	Feeding Intensity
12:53 PM CDT – 2:53 PM CDT	Major Window	Moon Overhead (Transit)	High
1:17 AM CDT – 3:17 AM CDT	Major Window	Moon Underfoot (Antitransit)	High
7:42 AM CDT – 8:42 AM CDT	Minor Window	Moonrise	Moderate
6:53 PM CDT – 7:53 PM CDT	Minor Window	Moonset	Moderate

Solunar Science: Major periods produce peak gravitational tidal pull on aquatic organisms. Times and moon phase are computed locally from Patterson Lake's coordinates and current astronomical orbit.

Patterson Lake 7-Day Solunar & Wind Outlook

Astronomical feeding windows, moon phase progression, and forecast wind for Patterson Lake

Day / Date	Moon Phase	Best Feeding Window	Forecast Wind	Rain Chance
Today Oct 10, 2026	New Moon (1%)	12:53 PM CDT – 2:53 PM CDT	—	—
Tomorrow Oct 11, 2026	New Moon (0%)	1:40 PM CDT – 3:40 PM CDT	16 mph	69%
Monday Oct 12, 2026	Waxing Crescent (2%)	2:28 PM CDT – 4:28 PM CDT	12 mph	85%
Tuesday Oct 13, 2026	Waxing Crescent (6%)	3:15 PM CDT – 5:15 PM CDT	5 mph	8%
Wednesday Oct 14, 2026	Waxing Crescent (12%)	4:03 PM CDT – 6:03 PM CDT	7 mph	12%
Thursday Oct 15, 2026	Waxing Crescent (19%)	4:51 PM CDT – 6:51 PM CDT	20 mph	23%
Friday Oct 16, 2026	Waxing Crescent (28%)	5:39 PM CDT – 7:39 PM CDT	12 mph	11%

Provenance: Moon phase and major feeding windows are calculated using NOAA solar-lunar algorithms for Patterson Lake's geographic coordinates. Wind velocity and precipitation probability reflect official National Weather Service forecast periods.

Verified Game Fish & Seasonal Tactics

Target depth bands, tackle recommendations, and prime ambush zones for Patterson Lake

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Prized Game Fish

Target Depth:Humps, gravel reefs, weed edges & wind-blown mudlines (12–40 ft)
Proven Tactics:Jigging minnows on leadheads, trolling nightcrawler harnesses, or pulling deep crankbaits at dusk.
Prime Ambush Zones:Rocky reefs, offshore humps, points, and transition lines between sand and weeds.
Bite Window:Dusk twilight, nocturnal transitions, and overcast windy days ("walleye chop").

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Panfish

Target Depth:Submerged brush piles, timber, marina docks & weed edges (8–20 ft)
Proven Tactics:Small 1/16 oz marabou or curly-tail jigs and live minnows suspended under slip bobbers.
Prime Ambush Zones:Bridge pilings, sunken brush piles, marinas, and shaded dock floats.
Bite Window:Dawn and dusk low-light transitions; consistent vertical bite on cloudy days.

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Apex Predator

Target Depth:Shallow cabbage weedbeds, bays & drop-off ambush points (5–25 ft)
Proven Tactics:Large spoons (Daredevle), spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and live suckers under wire leaders.
Prime Ambush Zones:Deep cabbage weedbeds, tributary mouths, and rocky drop-offs adjacent to shallow bays.
Bite Window:Mid-morning through late afternoon during stable sunny or partly cloudy conditions.

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Game Fish

Target Depth:Shallow weedbeds, brush piles, submerged timber & dock pilings (5–25 ft)
Proven Tactics:Texas-rigged soft plastics, jigs, chatterbaits, and swimbaits. Feed actively along drop-offs during low light.
Prime Ambush Zones:Shallow bays, vegetated points, fallen trees, and shaded boat docks.
Bite Window:Early morning, late evening, and low-light periods ahead of weather fronts.

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Coldwater Sport Fish

Target Depth:Shallow shelves, tributary inflows & thermocline layers (10–40 ft)
Proven Tactics:Troll small silver/gold spoons (Needlefish), cast Roostertails, or drift floating trout dough from shore.
Prime Ambush Zones:Tributary inlets, rocky coves, dam faces, and current breaks.
Bite Window:Dawn first light and early morning flat calm periods.

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

Cataloged Game Fish

Target Depth:Shallow weed beds, lily pads, docks & sandy spawning flats (3–15 ft)
Proven Tactics:Small red worms, crickets, or micro jigs under lightweight bobbers.
Prime Ambush Zones:Drop-offs, weedlines, submerged points, and sheltered bays
Bite Window:Dawn and dusk low-light feeding windows

Frequently Asked Questions About Patterson Lake Fishing

Essential angler tips, regulations, bite timing, and tackle recommendations for Patterson Lake

What are the best fishing times at Patterson Lake today?+

Fish activity at Patterson Lake typically peaks during dawn and dusk low-light transitions, when predatory game fish move onto shallower structure and weedlines to ambush forage. Based on current weather and solunar patterns, the highest scoring recreation window is today around Good (Score: 79/100). Anglers targeting active predators should also monitor the barometer—falling barometric pressure before frontal boundaries often triggers aggressive pre-storm feeding frenzies.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Patterson Lake?+

Yes, all eligible anglers must possess a valid sport fishing license issued by North Dakota wildlife and fisheries authorities. Always carry your license and review specific bag limits, size limits, and species harvest closures before fishing.

What game fish species can I catch at Patterson Lake?+

Cataloged game fish in Patterson Lake include Walleye, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and others. Depth preferences vary by season, with fish holding in weed edges, timber, drop-offs, and deep structure.

How does water temperature affect fishing at Patterson Lake?+

Water temperature directly controls fish metabolic rates and depth positioning. During spring and fall transitions, fish feed actively in shallow warming flats. During summer peaks, fish seek deeper thermoclines and shaded structure during midday hours, feeding in shallows primarily at dawn and dusk.

What lures and tackle work best on Patterson Lake?+

Effective tackle depends on target species and clarity: finesse soft plastics (Ned rigs, drop shots, tube jigs) produce consistent action around rocky points and weed edges, while diving crankbaits and spinnerbaits excel for actively searching open water and wind-blown shorelines. Using fluorocarbon leaders improves bite rates in clear conditions.