Is Rain Good For Fishing?

They say rain bothers the fisherman and not the fish, but the real question is if catching fish is easier in rainy weather conditions. Let’s explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of fishing in the rain.

Is Rain Good Or Bad For Fishing?

There are many different opinions on this matter, but the most common answer is that rain can be good and bad depending on the time of day, the type of fish you’re looking to catch, and your location.

Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of fishing in wet weather.

PROS

The first benefit of fishing in the rain is that it can help you catch more fish. This is because rain can often stir up the water and make fish more active.

This means that they are more likely to bite your bait, which increases your chances of catching something. Many kayakers will head out during light rain and capitalize on this when the fish are more active because they can get into less crowded areas where the fish aren’t normally disturbed by boaters.

Research the best fishing kayaks under $1,000, for those looking for other options than shore fishing.

Another pro of fishing in rainy weather is that it can help you escape the heat. If it’s a hot day and you don’t want to be out in the sun, heading out in the rain can be a great way to cool off while still enjoying your favorite hobby. Heavy rain will stir up aquatic critters in the water and cause a feeding frenzy near run-offs.

Finally, fishing in the rain can be more peaceful and relaxing. There’s something about being out in nature when it’s raining that can help you clear your mind and relax. If you’re looking for a way to de-stress, fishing in the rain may be perfect.

CONS

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to fishing in the rain. One of the biggest is that it can be difficult to stay dry. If you don’t have the right gear, you’ll likely end up soaked, which can be uncomfortable (and cold if it’s winter).

Another downside to wet weather fishing is that it can be harder to see your line and bait. This makes it more difficult to know when you’ve got a bite, leading to lost fish.

Water clarity will decrease during rainfall, making it harder to spot bass, trout, and other types of fish.

Finally, bad weather can make for an unpleasant experience. If it’s pouring rain and you’re cold and wet, likely, you won’t have a good time. Make sure you have the proper fishing gear and clothing when out in the rain. Get the best fishing shoes you can afford, they will be indispensable during these times.

Air Pressure and Fish Activity 

The measure of atmospheric pressure is used by a tool called a barometer, which measures the weight of the air column on a unit of surface area at sea level.

How Does Barometric Pressure Affect Fish?

Fish can sense pressure changes through their air bladder, well before humans. The larger the bladders of the fish species, the more uncomfortable the fish are in pressure changes.

Certain species are more comfortable when there’s stable high pressure. With rising barometric pressure after the rain, fish will become more active. This is when they look for more food, leading to more fish bite and feeding activity (aka a feeding frenzy). Bass, for example, will tend to forage for prey in shallow water as the pressure begins to drop. This makes pressured bass a little more enticed to strike a bait or lure when in the strike zone.

For example, if you’re saltwater fishing for halibut, falling pressure or low barometric pressure is more ideal than high pressure. This is mainly because halibut don’t have swim bladders and won’t notice the change in the weather forecast.

Water Temperature

The temperature of the water affects fishing in several ways. In general, warmer water holds less oxygen than cooler water, which can be a problem for fish. Oxygen levels dissolve faster in warmer water, making it more difficult for fish to breathe. As a result, fish species that are used to colder water may not be able to survive in warmer water. Finally, the temperature of the water can affect the way that fish behave.

As a fisherman, you should know the water temperature limits for each fish species. For example, walleye usually feed and swim between 64-77 degrees Fahrenheit while bass prefers 66 – 80 degree water temperatures; white sucker catfish thrive at 75°F or less but die when exposed for more than 1 hour above 86° F (29 Celsius).

A cold rain changes the temperature of a body of water and its clarity and salinity. As fresh nutrients pour into our tanks from intense downpours, local fish will behave differently than they normally would during dry periods.

However, during the warm days of summer, steady rain that will drop to the fish’s ideal temperature range is your sign to grab a fishing rod. This is when the warm surface hits optimum temperature, where most fish will feed along the shore’s water surface.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, whether rain is good or bad for fishing depends on the individual. Some people swear by fishing in the rain, while others prefer to avoid it. So it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a fishing trip before deciding if wet weather is right for you.