When is the best time to conduct electrofishing?

The optimal time to conduct electrofishing is during the evening or early morning hours when fish are more active and likely to respond better to the electric field. At these times, water temperatures are often cooler, which can influence fish behavior and activity levels. Fish tend to feed more actively during these periods, making them easier to capture and handle.

Additionally, lower light levels during these hours can reduce stress on the fish and increase their susceptibility to the electric current used in electrofishing. The cooler temperatures also lead to reduced fish metabolism compared to the hotter part of the day, which can make fish easier to handle post-capture.

Conducting electrofishing during less active periods, such as the hottest part of the day or at midnight, generally yields poor results because fish are often less responsive or hiding in deeper, cooler waters during those times. This leads to inefficient sampling and potential issues with the health and recovery of the fish caught. Thus, targeting the early morning or evening hours is considered best practice for effective and humane electrofishing.