{"id":3742,"date":"2025-04-08T20:24:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T01:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mickeylieberman.com\/fishing\/?p=3742"},"modified":"2025-03-08T14:44:49","modified_gmt":"2025-03-08T19:44:49","slug":"the-weather-and-fishing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mickeylieberman.com\/fishing\/the-weather-and-fishing\/","title":{"rendered":"The Weather and Fishing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Weather and Fishing<\/span><\/p>\n

The weather plays an important role in fishing and it can affect fishing in several ways.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

These are:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Water temperature<\/span>
\n* Wind<\/span>
\n* Barometric pressure<\/span><\/p>\n

Water Temperature<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In colder waters, fish tend to slow down, and generally need less food to support themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

In warmer waters, they are much more active, and as a result, need significantly more food to survive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Colder waters have more dissolved oxygen, and warmer waters have less.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it rains, freshwater pours into a body of water, changing its temperature.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rain can often shoot large quantities of nutrients into the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wind<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Waves can increase the turbidity of the water, pulling currents and nutrients along with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Winds cause changes in barometric pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Barometric Pressure<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

At sea level, the barometric pressure of 29.92 inches is \u201cnormal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Anything above that is considered high, and anything below that, low.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to barometric pressure and fish behavior, two of these adaptations are key.<\/span><\/p>\n

The lateral line is an organ that fish use to navigate and sense the presence of predators or food.<\/span><\/p>\n

The swim bladder, on the other hand, is an organ similar to the stomach, which can inflate with air and allow the fish to achieve buoyancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Barometric Pressure and Fishing<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a well-known fact that rising barometric pressure means improving weather and clear skies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dropping barometric pressure means that a storm or a cold front is on its way.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Storms Affect Fishing<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The best time to be on the water is during a drop in barometric pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Simply stated: Rising pressure generally shuts the fish off, while dropping pressure turns the fish on and almost always improves your catch rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Try to get on the water before a storm moves in and avoid fishing as one moves out.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does Wind Impact Fishing (Is it Good or Bad?)<\/span><\/p>\n

Wind Creates Waves<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The turbulence from the waves or ripples will significantly increase the amount of oxygen in the water too.<\/span><\/p>\n

The wind creates movement that causes the fish to feed more during a current or the wind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wind Acts as a Current<\/span><\/p>\n

Wind acts as a current that swishes water around, breaking leaves off plants and ultimately moving the nutrients and food supplies (phytoplankton) to the banks, causing baitfish to move into the shore to eat the food supplies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wind Affects the Barometric Pressure<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sudden weather changes produce rapid shifts in the barometric pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is precisely why these are the best moments to wet your line.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does Wind Positively Affect Fishing?<\/span><\/p>\n

Positive effects wind may have on fishing:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

* Wind causes waves that increase the amount of oxygen in the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Wind creates a cover for fish.<\/span><\/p>\n

* The wind blows insects and all sorts of vegetation into the water that the fish love to snack on.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Wind creates currents that shift smaller baitfish towards that shoreline.<\/span><\/p>\n

* The wind brings larger fish closer to the shoreline to feed.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does Wind Negatively Affect Fishing?<\/span><\/p>\n

Much can be said about windy conditions; some believe that wind improves fishing (which is mostly true).<\/span><\/p>\n

The wind has adverse side effects when fishing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at them:<\/span><\/p>\n

* Wind hampers with your casting accuracy.<\/span>
\n* The wind turns the water into a turbid watercolor, making it harder to see lures.<\/span>
\n* Wind influences your ability to feel bites.<\/span>
\n* And wind can overall be uncomfortable conditions to fish in.<\/span>
\n* In severe wind, fish will often move to deeper waters for safety, making shoreline fishing close to impossible.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does Rain Impact Fishing? [Is It Good or Bad?]<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rain improves fishing because when the rain hits the water, it creates air bubbles that cause small organisms that fish prey on to rise to the surface.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the rain hits the surface of the water, air bubbles are created and microorganisms that fish eat rise to the surface.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Rain Affect Fishing Even After It Stops?<\/span><\/p>\n

After it stops raining, there is a lot of oxygen on the surface levels of the water because the rain stirred up the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that there are many organisms that fish feed on that are staying near the surface of the water so they can absorb oxygen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fish will generally be closer to the surface of the water during and after a period of rain.<\/span><\/p>\n

The barometric pressure in the water is less than normal right after it stops raining, and the fish will feel hungrier than normal because of that pressure drop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Should I Fish in the Rain or After?<\/span><\/p>\n

Most fish are more active while it is raining and immediately afterward, so you should go fishing while it is currently raining rather than waiting until afterward.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Best Barometric Pressure For Fishing<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a baseline \u201cnormal\u201d pressure?<\/span><\/p>\n

Somewhere around 29-30 inches, Mercury is a rough \u201cbaseline\u201d, though remember this is also dependent on your elevation.<\/span><\/p>\n

When a storm system begins to move in, barometric pressure begins to drop.<\/span><\/p>\n

During a storm, the barometric pressure readings are often low, around 26-29, generally.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a storm has passed, barometric pressure will begin to rise as calmer and clearer weather takes over.<\/span><\/p>\n

High pressure is generally associated with very calm, clear, and warm weather.<\/span><\/p>\n

Generally, \u201chigh pressure\u201d can be considered 30 inches of mercury and up.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Fish React to Changes in Barometric Pressure<\/span><\/p>\n

Nearly all fish have a swim bladder organ. It is very sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Best Barometric Pressure for Fishing<\/span><\/p>\n

The fish can sense the incoming low pressure and know they will have to seek refuge deeper.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that they become very active during this time, trying to feed as much as possible or moving around to find deep cover.<\/span><\/p>\n

Barometric Fishing Chart<\/span><\/p>\n

THE WEATHER FISHING ACTIVITY<\/span><\/p>\n

High Pressure 30.50 + Fish bite is Medium to Slow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Try fishing slowly in deeper water or near cover.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medium Pressure 29.70 \u2013 30.40 Normal Fishing.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the time to test lures, baits, and techniques to see what works.<\/span><\/p>\n

Low Pressure 29.60 and Lower Fishing Slows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fish slow and in deeper water or near cover.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rising Pressure Improving Weather<\/span><\/p>\n

The fish are slightly active. Fish slow and in deeper water or near cover.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do Fish Bite on Cloudy Days?<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a chance to go fishing when it\u2019s cloudy, it can be one of the best times to go fishing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fishing Advantages in Overcast Conditions<\/span><\/p>\n

* Less light penetrates the water, resulting in less visibility<\/span>
\n* Easier to trick or fool fish into biting<\/span>
\n* Fish are more active and searching for food<\/span>
\n* Most fish species will roam around and leave cover and deep water<\/span>
\n* Larger strike zone<\/span>
\n* Fish are more aggressive and willing to bite<\/span>
\n* More active insects & hatches<\/span>
\n* Reaction style baits work very well<\/span><\/p>\n

15 Simple Tips to Help You Catch More Fish on Cloudy Days<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Mix Up Your Retrieval Speed & Cadence<\/span><\/p>\n

If you can present your lures in a way that looks like a wounded fish or easy meal, they can\u2019t help but bite.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Target Different Depths<\/span><\/p>\n

Each species of fish will prefer to be at a different depth and a lot of it will depend on the water temperature and time of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Use Bright & Dark Colors<\/span><\/p>\n

Using the right color of baits and lures is key when fishing when it\u2019s overcast.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best colors to use in overcast conditions are bright colors like chartreuse and white as well as dark colors like dark greens, blacks, and browns.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Add Scent<\/span><\/p>\n

Adding scents and fish attractants like garlic will not only help you get more bites, but the fish will hold onto your lure longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Make Long Casts<\/span><\/p>\n

Longer casts allow you to stay farther away from your target, give your baits a chance to run deeper, and it will decrease your chances of spooking fish off.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Match the Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n

This means using baits and lures that closely match or mimic the fish’s forage, including the size and color.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Target High Percentage Areas<\/span><\/p>\n

In general, fish can be found where there is food, cover, and a variety of water depths<\/span><\/p>\n

High Percentage Fishing Spots<\/span><\/p>\n

Points<\/span>
\nDocks<\/span>
\nHard Cover<\/span>
\nWindy Banks<\/span>
\nGrass Lines & Flats<\/span>
\nRock Piles<\/span>
\nTrees<\/span>
\nBridges<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Change Up Your Baits & Lures<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have been fishing with the same bait or lure for over 30 minutes and still haven\u2019t gotten a bite, it\u2019s time to switch it up and try something new.<\/span><\/p>\n

A small change to a different lure, size, or color can make a huge difference and help you catch more fish in overcast conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Use Live Bait<\/span><\/p>\n

There is no denying that live bait will help you catch more fish.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Go Topwater<\/span><\/p>\n

Topwater lures and dry flies are known for being a great way to catch fish early in the morning and late in the evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, they can also be a super-effective way to catch fish when it\u2019s overcast or cloudy.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Use Gold or Silver Lures<\/span><\/p>\n

The best color of the blade to use is gold in cloudy conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Silver is a great color to use on bright and sunny days as the silver reflects off the light in the water creating light flashes.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Wind Is Key<\/span><\/p>\n

When it\u2019s windy and cloudy outside, look to target banks where the wind is blowing into the bank.<\/span><\/p>\n

13. Downsize If You\u2019re Not Catching Fish<\/span><\/p>\n

Using smaller baits, flies, and lures will allow you to attract a wider range of fish.<\/span><\/p>\n

14. Success Is in The Details<\/span><\/p>\n

Things like making sure your lure is swimming right, or that your bait is properly rigged can make all the difference in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pay close attention to the small details, from color, lure size, how you work the bait.<\/span><\/p>\n

15. Be Adaptable<\/span><\/p>\n

When it\u2019s overcast, fish are constantly on the move, and their behavior changes based on season, weather conditions, water temperature, and light penetration among other things.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sunny vs. Overcast Conditions<\/span><\/p>\n

Fishing is typically better when it\u2019s overcast, when compared to sunny conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

The reason for this is because the cloud covers the sun which reduces the amount of light that penetrates the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, when it\u2019s bright and sunny out fish will head for deep water and thick cover where they can beat the heat and hide from other predators.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fishing Cloudy Days<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the best lures for cloudy days?<\/span><\/p>\n

The best lures to use when you are faced with overcast conditions are reaction-style lures like crankbaits, swimbaits, spoons, and spinners.<\/span><\/p>\n

What color lures to use on cloudy days?<\/span><\/p>\n

The best color of baits and lures to use when it\u2019s cloudy is going to be bright bold colors like white and chartreuse and dark colors like black, dark green, and brown.<\/span><\/p>\n

When is the Best Time to go Fishing?<\/span><\/p>\n

The best time to go fishing is typically early in the morning when the sun comes up and the last few hours of sunlight before the sun goes down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Fishing Times<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

* During sunrise and sunset<\/span>
\n* During the rise and set of the moon<\/span>
\n* When the barometer is consistently rising<\/span>
\n* During consistent weather patterns<\/span>
\n* When there is a hatch<\/span>
\n* When the wind or breeze comes from the west rather than from the north or east<\/span><\/p>\n

This is only a general guideline that should be used as a good starting point.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best time to go fishing may also vary due to the factors below.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Time of year<\/span>
\n* Water temperatures<\/span>
\n* Light conditions<\/span>
\n* Wind and speed direction<\/span>
\n* Barometric pressure<\/span>
\n* Weather patterns (e.g. cold fronts)<\/span>
\n* Tides<\/span>
\n* Spawning behaviors<\/span>
\n* Moon phases<\/span>
\n* Water clarity (turbidity)<\/span>
\n* Oxygen levels<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Weather and Fishing The weather plays an important role in fishing and it can affect fishing in several ways. These are: * Water temperature *…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3742","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-weather","wpcat-1-id"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t