In fishing, the secret to success often comes down to being in the right place at the right time. Every species has its own breeding, migration and feeding cycle; knowing this rhythm is what separates coming home empty-handed from filling your bucket. "Which fish, when to catch?" is the question that both newcomers and seasoned anglers wonder about most. In this guide we lay out a month-by-month fishing calendar and explain the idea of the fishing season and how to plan it clearly.

Why Does the Fishing Season Matter?

Fish move according to water temperature, current and the abundance of food. Some species retreat to deep, cool waters in summer, while others migrate in schools during autumn. Following this natural cycle is essential both for a more productive catch and for sustainable fishing. Heading out in the right season doesn't just help you catch more fish; it also lets you land each species when it is at its most delicious.

What's more, some species may be subject to fishing restrictions during their breeding periods; checking the current official regulations at the start of each season is both a lawful and a nature-respecting approach.

Month-by-Month Fishing Calendar

The calendar below reflects general trends; weather conditions, water temperature and regional differences can cause small shifts from year to year. Even so, it offers a solid starting point for planning your fishing season.

Winter Months (December - February)

  • Bluefish and kofana: Large individuals can be caught toward the end of the season.
  • Whiting and horse mackerel: Ideal for bottom fishing in cold waters.
  • Turbot: A bottom-dwelling fish that grows more prized in winter and favors sandy grounds.

Spring Months (March - May)

  • Horse mackerel and chub mackerel: Begin to stir as the water warms.
  • Gilthead sea bream and sea bass: Approach the shore and start feeding.
  • Striped red mullet and red mullet: Delicious species sought after on sandy grounds.

Summer Months (June - August)

  • Young bonito (çingene palamutu): The small form of the bonito, first seen toward the end of summer.
  • Bogue, picarel and white seabream: Species that are active in warm waters.
  • Sea bass: More productive in the early morning and late evening hours.

Autumn Months (September - November)

  • Bonito: Migrating in schools, it becomes the star of the season.
  • Bluefish: As they grow larger, the thrill of the catch grows too.
  • Çinekop and sarıkanat: The smaller sizes of the bluefish, seen in abundance.

Tips for Catching the Right Moment

The calendar gives you a general framework, but the real difference lies in the details. You can markedly improve your success by paying attention to the following:

  • Track the water temperature: Most species are active within specific temperature ranges.
  • Watch the current and wind: In currented waters like the Bosphorus, direction and strength directly affect the catch.
  • Consider sunrise and sunset: Many species feed during these transition hours.
  • Listen to local experience: Anglers and guides who know the area provide the most up-to-date information.

A Responsibility for Sustainable Fishing

Fishing at the right time is important, but so is treating nature with respect. Not harming species during their breeding season, or individuals below the legal size limit, ensures that future seasons stay bountiful too. Releasing small fish back into the water, taking no more than you need and keeping the environment clean are the shared responsibility of every angler. When you act with this awareness, the fishing calendar becomes a guarantee not just for today, but for years to come.

If you would like to experience seasonal fishing in the bountiful waters of the Bosphorus, the fishing tours we organize with our expert team are just right for you. To learn about our boats suited to different seasons, visit our page.