Fishing After Rain
Many anglers have heard that fishing after rain can lead to more success- but is that the case? And if so, why?
Is It Good To Fish After It Rains?
Fishing after it rains can be a very good time go to fishing.
Rainfall can lower barometric pressure and increase water current and sediment runoff, which means more microorganisms and insects in the water column for fish to feed on and increases overall activity.
Rainfall can stir things up in a lake, pond, or river and any changes like that can mean an opportunity to find hungry fish.
Try looking at areas where there is a lot of runoff, or near the mouths of creeks, inlets, and even dams.
More Rain = Water flow = Forage Base Adjustment (think of all the Zooplankton, fish eggs, insect larvae, and bottom sediment that is stirred up).
Fishing pressure is always very low directly after it rains because not many people fish during a bad rainstorm.
However- too much rain can also hurt your chances of success.
Flooding conditions can be dangerous, and lead to silty dirty water or change the pH levels of lakes.
Fishing After Rain
Do Fish Bite More After It Rains?
Yes, in many cases, you will get more bites after it rains. As the barometric pressure stabilizes after rain, fish will return to normal feeding patterns.
Take advantage of this window and fish areas with high water flow!
How Do You Catch Fish After Heavy Rain?
The first thing to look for after a period of heavy rain is concentrated areas of water movement.
This would be areas such as creek mouths, waterfalls, and even concrete dams and water structures.
The reason for this is that fish will stage up in these areas waiting to ambush food as it’s pushed by.
The heavy rainfall increases the water current and can create a fishing frenzy!
Use large, aggressive baits after heavy rain.
Topwater baits such as poppers and buzz baits can work very well when targeting bass.
Swimbaits work well for nearly all species, especially if you let the current naturally drift your bait.
If you are fishing an area without any current, keep an eye out for surface activity.
Some species of fish may rise or fall within the water column as their swim bladders adjust to rising water levels.
It’s not uncommon to spot smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, or muskie swimming just beneath the surface in shallow water after heavy rain.
How Weather Impacts Fishing
Bad weather is inevitable if you spend any significant time on the water or in the outdoors.
It’s bound to happen, so it’s very important to understand how weather like rain, cold fronts, and storms can influence your fishing success.
Here is a list of different weather types of bad weather conditions you are likely to encounter when fishing and what to do:
Bad Weather Pattern How to Fish
Storm front or bad weather is approaching Get out and fish!
Pre-front is one of the best times for fish feeding activity.
Light rain, cloudy conditions. Try using topwater or other loud/noisy baits. Can be very good!
Heavy rain and wind Fish areas where baitfish will be pushed from the wind, such as points, cuts, channels, and embankments.
The storm has passed, & VERY windy conditions The bite may be slow, fish small finesse-style baits and try deep and protected areas.
Cold weather or a sudden drop in temperature. Very difficult conditions- slow down your presentation, try live bait, and use electronics to find fish on thermoclines.
Barometric Pressure
Atmospheric pressure, sometimes called Barometric pressure is the most important weather-related factor for fishing and anglers.
Barometric pressure is the measurement of air pressure in our atmosphere.
It fluctuates with different weather patterns every day, and these changes cause fish to behave differently.
Barometric Pressure for Fishing
For example, before it rains, cooler temperatures cause the barometric pressure to lower.
When it gets warmer, the pressure rises. When weather patterns remain clear and calm, this is considered stable.
The fish tend to move more when the pressure is changing.
Generally speaking, they seek out cover under lower pressures but will actively search for food when the pressure rises.
They may also move into shallower water when the pressure is dropping.
Dropping barometric pressures cause fish to become more active- which is a great time to fish.
Anything below 29.80 is considered low pressure and likely means foul weather is on the way!
Use a fishing barometer to quickly and easily track the barometric pressure in your area. It’s one of the most efficient tools an angler can use to predict fish patterns.
Is Fishing Good Before a Storm?
Yes! The absolute favorite time to fish is ‘pre-front’ or before an approaching storm.
This is usually best less than 12 hours or so before the storm front hits.
This pressure drop can cause fish to feed actively and aggressively.
When the fish know when bad weather is approaching, they feed up in case they can’t during a period of bad weather.
Many anglers will agree that fishing before a storm can be excellent. Always watch the weather and be safe!
Do Fish Know When a Storm Is Coming?
All species of fish are masters of their environment, and can usually sense even the smallest changes in weather. This may include temperature, rain, and even wind.
If you’ve ever been fishing and noticed the ‘bite’ suddenly turn on/off, it may have been related to the fish reacting to a change in weather.
Most fish are equipped with a swim bladder, which assists with buoyancy and respiratory functions.
But it may also help fish ‘sense’ changes in pressure or other words, tell them when a storm is coming.
Not a lot of studies have been conducted to prove this one way or another, but there is no doubt that fish react to storms and other weather changes.
Monitor Rain Storms To Plan Your Trip
If you have a day of fishing planned, and the forecast is calling for rainstorms simply adjust your plan of attack.
And if the rain is inevitable, no big deal.
By closely monitoring radar, wind direction, and weather patterns you can usually find a portion of the lake that won’t get rain, or provide some shelter from the weather.
Throw on a quality rain jacket, and get to fishing. Some of my best fishing stories happened during, or just after the rain.
A drizzle after a passing rainstorm is the perfect time to get on the water.
Do Fish Bite When It’s Windy (After The Rain)?
Yes, fish will bite when it’s windy outside. The wind can stir up food such as zooplankton and insects, and funnel baitfish against banks or into channels.
When it’s windy, fish in the wind! Do not try and hide from it!
Fishing in the wind Tips:
Use a heavier weight or heavier lures, it will make casting easier.
If you’re fishing from a boat, use the anchor or set up a drift with the wind along a bank or edge.
Keep an eye out for diving birds, they will find the places where baitfish are concentrated in windy conditions.
Wear a UV-rated fishing buff, this will prevent windburn and keep your skin protected.
Always approach your fishing spot from downwind, it’s easier to control the boat and be stealthy.
What Weather Is the Best for Fishing?
A fall in barometric pressure before a storm is often considered the best time to go fishing.
Other factors such as wind speed, water temperature, and time of year play a large role in fishing success.
Fish are cold-blooded creatures, which means they need to seek ways to warm and cool their bodies.
They will move to cooler water when they are hot and do the opposite when they feel too cold.
Consider the time of year you are fishing. For example, during the summer an approaching storm may cool things off and stimulate feeding. In the winter, unusually warm weather may turn the bite on.
Each lake, pond, river, or water system is different.
Final Thoughts
If you fish often enough, you are going to encounter bad weather such as rain and wind. Don’t let this keep you from enjoying a nice day on the water.
Instead, check the weather and study the conditions. Pay attention to the insects, baitfish, birds, and predatory fish around you. Track your progress and failures and you will begin to find patterns.
