Have you ever missed a fishing opportunity because it was raining? If so, the truth is you're missing out. Let's find out why.
Last updated: June 26, 2022
Por: Brandon Sanders
We've all been there before and woke up early for a day of bass fishing only to look out the window and see the rain pouring down.
While the inexperienced fisherman may go to bed disappointed, the experienced fisherman knows his day just got more exciting. While the rain does everythingto switch offin the human world it has the opposite effect on Pisces.
Bass fishing in the rain is one of the best fishing activities you could ever hope for. Ready to find out why?
Let's dive! 👇
Activity from below in the rain 🌧
When the air pressure reaches its lowest point and it starts to rain, a switch is flipped in the bass's brain. During the period when the pressure drops, fish of all kinds begin to feed in anticipation of rain.
You know the rain is comingfreshly oxygenated waterthis is full of food for everything on the food chain and they want to take advantage of it. The wise fisherman will see the rain coming and plans to take advantage of it.
This applies in particularduring bass spawn. During this time, the perch guards its nests and is overly aggressive.
When rain causes heavy disturbances to the surface of the water, bass become even more alert for creatures that might use the disturbance to steal their eggs. Harnessing these benefits of using surface water presentations can yield incredible results.
How to fish for perch in the rain: tips and tricks 👇
While bass fishing in the rain can yield serious results, hitting the water when the clouds roll in isn't so easy. You must use a strategy that is appropriate for the body of water and the environment in which you are fishing.
Here are some tips that can help you when fishing in the rain. Lets go in.
Stay on the surface 🔝
Alltypes of fishhas its own unique behavior when it comes to reacting to the weather. Some are slower and others move into deeper water, but the bass become more aggressive and aware of what is happening at the surface.
As the water becomes increasingly turbulent, they assume ambush positions under water lilies and tree trunks. This allows them to take advantage of the protection that the rain offers andEnjoy the fresh, oxygen-rich water it brings.
As anglers, we need to take advantage of this behavior by casting surface lures with a lot of fuss. Anything that further disturbs the water and stands out against a backdrop of raindrops hitting the peaceful water is crucial for bringing out the bass.
Buzzbaits are an ideal choice, but there are others that leave a big wave and create excessive pressure waves, such as a torpedo or a Zara Spook.
By disturbing the surface, these surface bait appear to be in danger or other creatures are also trying to take advantage of the newly rejuvenated water. As the perches approach the surface of the water, they present an opportunity for a light meal.
Adjusting the lure winding speed to the water temperature is crucial. When the rain has lowered the water temperature, bass are less likely to chase a high-speed pass of a buzz bait. This is especially true during the transition from summer to fall, when the bass start to become more calorie conscious.
Run to the drain 🏃💨
Whatever you do in fishing, you should always keep an eye on the food chain. Ultimately, you're trying to convince a fish that your bait is the easiest meal he'll have that day.
It doesn't matter what the conditions are, what species you're fishing or what your presentation is, it all boils down to this idea. When fishing in the rain, we need to put ourselves in the shoes of the fish and think about how we can use the weather to reinforce our illusion.
When it rains, creatures of all kinds gravitate to places where rainwater collects and seeps into the body of water they live in. This can come in many different forms, depending on the terrain you're on.
In mountainous and rough terrain, this can appear as water falling from rocks into the lake. In flatter and calmer areas, there may be culverts or streams that flow into the lake. In swampy areas, it may simply be newly flooded wood or grass that the water level has risen.
Regardless of the form of runoff, the new water introduces new food sources and attracts fish. Look at maps and think about the hydrology of your area. How will your home's water be collected during the next big storm? These areas are likely to support a disproportionate amount of fish, as the fresh water carries with it nutrients for plants and other food caught in the torrential waters.
Fast fish ⚡️
Conditions brought on by rain encourage bass and other fish to take action. As barometric pressure drops, the surface of the water begins to be disturbed and the water temperature cools, bass move quickly to take advantage of the conditions.
This continues as the pressure drops and decreases as the pressure begins to stabilize. The challenge for the enterprising fisherman is to maximize this period of intense activity.
To do this effectively, the display speed must match the general climate of the conditions being fished. This requires quick introductions with the chosen bait.
Fast casting with fast recovery will not only be more tempting for the perch, but it will also give the angler much more opportunity to introduce themselves to a wider range of coverage. Not only is fast fishing more tempting for the fish, it's also the most efficient way to make presentations in this short window of opportunity.
One thing to consider with all of this is how fast the boat is going. The faster you can move, the more often new targets will be within range to cast.
Therefore it is recommendedInstall an electric motor on a kayakor boat to maximize fishing opportunities when it rains. Fast recovery is great, but it's only effective if you can match the speed of the boat to the speed you're fishing.
Fish current edges 🗺
As rainfall increases, so does the water flowing into a lake or river. That water has to go somewhere, of course, and the current increases accordingly. Some avoid strong currents, thinking there is no way to catch them. However, the experienced angler knows that there are pockets and seams that offer excellent fishing possibilities.
The increased current makes it easier for the fish to breathe and acts as a conveyor belt for food. Anglers simply cannot pass up an opportunity like this, which allows them to make frequent introductions to the fish they feed on. However, flux can be extremely difficult to manage. It can be nearly impossible to hold a venue long enough to hold presentations.
However, with every body of water there are pockets of slow moving water supported by fast moving currents of water. Finding the seams between these two levels of current is crucial for fishing in high current situations.
Fish want to take advantage of the increased current, but they don't want to pay the caloric price to fight it. Therefore, performing at the seams today is probably the most rewarding wayCatch strong currents from a kayak.
stay warm and dry
An often overlooked or overlooked aspect of rain fishing is angler comfort and safety. Rain can bring exceptionally cold weather.
Cold and shivering, fishermen begin to rethink fishing as a whole, rather than how to use the conditions to succeed. So it's important to stay dry and warm to get the most out of rain fishing.
If you're fishing on a day that's likely to rain, it's important to think about layers. While this is general advice in cold weather, it's even more useful when you're looking to juggle sudden temperature swings and stay dry in the water.
Have a base layer that is able and comfortable to wear alone. Then you can put on a layer of insulation like a fleece or sweatshirt and a final layer to keep out the rain.
At this point, the usefulness of should be pointed outla merino. Although wool has great qualities for a fisherman, the most important thing is that it does not lose its insulating properties when wet, but scratches and irritates the skin.
However, merino wool lacks the rough nature of wool, retaining its insulating properties. The last decade has seen widespread acceptance of the substance for precisely this reason. Therefore, there are many options available to the intrepid fisherman who is going to face the rain.
It's not worth being struck by lightning ⚠️
While rain offers many opportunities for good fishing, it can also present some very serious challenges and concerns. Excessive wind and lighting must be considered when fishing in the rain.
While bass can bite, so will hypothermia and lightning. Fortunately, these are all risks that can be easily mitigated with a little planning.
If you are in a non-motorized craft like a kayak, the first thing to think about is thisSafety equipment you bring on boardand make sure it's conducive to the fishing you're likely to do. If you are in a location where wind is likely to be a factor, consider stabilizers to keep you from becoming unstable and tipping over. Also, you should consider your storage situation so you don't lose your device in case the light rain turns into a heavy storm.
After all, it's better to live by the code of"When thunder roars, come home".Lightning is a serious threat, but especially so for fishermen. To be on a lake in the middle of a storm is simply to tempt fate.
With graphite fishing rods attached to negatively charged aluminum boats with batteries, the fisherman is more likely to encounter lightning. If you're fishing in the rain that turns into a storm, go home and fish another day.
What are the best baits for bass in the rain?
As rain activity affects water pressure and temperature, it can also affect bass feeding habits. Therefore, it is important that your go-tobottom boxhave some bait on hand, especially for the rain.
Below is an overview of the most popular baits for rain bass and why.
Spinnerköder
Spinnerbaits are a time-honored staple of the gameLargemouth bass fishing practice. looking at theachigã regular diet, it becomes very clear why they work so well. The spinning lure mimics baitfish traveling alone and fearless, luring bass to aggressively ambush them.
Many bass fishing tournaments and state records have been set on the end of a spinning bait hook. Rain only increases its effectiveness.
Spinners are best caught in stream seams on the boundary between deep and shallow water. It is ideal when there is underwater coverage, such as. B. a fallen tree to let the bait through.
Fish them out quickly to ensure they match the mood of the conditions and get the pick to produce lots of pressure waves that will get the bass attention. Under these conditions, large willow leaves are generally better for speed of presentation and vibration generation.
freshwater frog
bass fishing withsoft plastics like Wacky Rigit is a time-honored tradition. Seabass love easy-to-grab, high-calorie, high-protein meals. Soft plastics give them the opportunity to have all three. Similar is the use of a surface toad.
During rain, surface disturbance brings fish to the surface as they try to take advantage of the conditions. The Soft Plastic Surface Frog is possibly the most effective soft plastic lure for water fishing.
Use a surface frog by finding grass or water lilies and dragging it there. Frequent deployments at the edges of shallow water vegetation during storms have proven very effective in the past.
Many large perches were captured shortly after the frog left a water lily to reach the open sea. The toad presents a large, easy-to-grab meal that the perch simply cannot resist.
humming bait
Achigãlive in a dynamic placewhich gives fish a wide variety of prey to hunt. However, nothing engages the perch's predatory instincts like the snap of a speeding lure.
When trailer worms are added, it's almost overwhelming for a perch lurking silently under cover, staring at the surface of rain-boiled water. The Buzz Bait is a timeless classic that is not only fun to fish, but also extremely exciting to watch the perch attack.
The best way to use a buzz bait is to find cover that is over the water and run the buzz bait along it. This could be weaving through lily pads or walking straight through stumps and trees.
This puts the buzz bait right in the bottom strike zone, enticing them to chase the loud, obnoxious thing buzzing overhead. When the water is warm and it's early morning, nothing captures bass in the rain like a buzz bait.
Chatterbait
Bass fishing at different times of the year brings about a variety of changes in both bass activity and its environment. With the changing of seasons andWater temperature cools down in autumn, Rain almost always increases.
That's why it's essential to have a bait that can attract the attention of sea bass at different depths. Chatterbait is a great alternative to spinnerbait, especially in murky water.
The Chatter lure's incredibly loud metal-on-metal noise creates so much excitement underwater that it not only helps bass find you, but also entices them to bite. In changing water conditions, which are often encountered in autumn, chatterbait is an excellent bait choice.
feedback
Bass jigs are a well-known, almost stereotypical lure, widely used in a wide variety of fishing situations. With a wide skirt and plastic pendant of some variety, theJig can mimic a variety of prey itemslook down.
The jig should be on hand in every tackle box as its versatility can produce fish in many different situations. Although many associate jigs with much slower fishing styles, a jig can be modified in its presentation to make it uniquely suited for rain fishing.
Fish jigs in and aroundtrees. This can be achieved in the rain by moving them up and down at a fairly high speed. You also have the added use of aftercasts for fish lost by a buzz bait.
Just have a jig attached to a separate rod while fishing with a buzz lure. If you miss a fish, quickly throw the jig at the location of the wrong hit and lure the fish in to hit.
Tip: Next time, remember what worked
Every situation is different and the best teacher is experience. It is important to take good notes in any type of fishing, but especially in rain fishing.
What worked before will likely work again at a later date. It's important to start building a big mental bank of facts and figures that you can refer to the next time you spot certain patterns.
You should pay attention to thatCloudsand understand what is happening in the atmosphere. What happens above almost always affects what happens below the surface of the water.
Bass fishing after the rain
Fishing after rain can be quite challenging. Water clarity generally decreases, fish slow down, temperatures drop, and barometric pressure stabilizes. It is important to continue to discover where the current is still flowing.
This allows the fish to breathe easier and helps them find potential food sources. Although fishing can be more difficult after rain, it is not impossible to find fish and be successful.
In sum
While there are many tips and tricks available on the internet and in magazines, the most important thing is to never stop fishing for bass. Everything can change in a moment. Bass fishing is very popular because it is so difficult.
Anyone can accidentally hook a bass now and then, but a true pro knows how to catch the bass even when it's leaking. The next time you wake up and see rain clouds covering your favorite lake, accept the challenge and go get something.
Bass fishing in the rain: frequently asked questions
Are basses more active in the rain?
Basses are most active during rain due to the sudden drop in air pressure. This is especially true after a season ofseca. The rain reactivates the streams and drains, bringing in the roost food they would otherwise have been deprived of.
Does perch bite better before, during or after rain?
Perches bite better during and after rain, as they are aware of atmospheric pressure. High pressure times cause them to have less energy as they try to conserve their energy for after the storm.
Will the bass bite when it rains?
Bass will really bite when it rains. This is especially true for presentations in surface water. The additional disturbance on the surface of the water draws their attention. This can easily be exploited by casting a high disturbance bait into the water such as a buzz bait or torpedo.
Can you fish for perch during a storm?
You can fish for perch during a storm, but it is only advisable when there is no thunder or lightning. Standing on a flat surface in the middle of a thunderstorm while holding a carbon fiber pole is a great way to draw the bite of a storm instead of a bass.
What is the best bait for bass in the rain?
The best bait for perch during the rain is a variety of surface baits. These include frogs, buzzbaits, torpedoes and stickbaits. Anything that takes advantage of excessive surface clutter will work.
Is rain good for bass fishing?
Rain is good for bass fishing as it revitalizes the waters where bass live. It brings fresh nutrients and hydrogen peroxide to the environment that sustains them. This tapering will encourage the bass to take advantage of the weather and become more active.
About the author: Brandon Sanders, known as BBSanders, is a freelance writer who enjoys hunting and fishing around the world. He is a combat veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan and many other smaller deployments. He lives with his wife and two dogs in a small cabin in East Texas. You can find out more about him on his own website,on here.
FAQs
How is bass fishing in the rain? ›
Rainy weather can still brighten your day when it comes to bass fishing. Often times, rain in the forecast indicates low barometric pressure which is proven to make bass more active and aggressive, therefore more willing to bite.
What do bass like in the rain? ›So, when you're bass fishing in the rain you want to choose something like a buzz bait, spinnerbait, or spoon because what little light refraction you create will draw a lot of attention and get the energetic bass to strike.
What does fishing in the rain do? ›Successful Rainy River Fishing
Run-off from a heavy rain carries all kinds of food in the form of worms and other crawling critters into a river. The increase in river flow also stirs small aquatic creatures from their living places. These circumstances often put fish into a feeding frenzy.
- Each boat must consist of 2 anglers. ...
- All teams must pre-register before launching. ...
- Boat checks/Registration will begin at 5:30 a.m. Blast off will be at 7:00 a.m or safe light. ...
- Un-sportsman like conduct will not be tolerated and will result in.
Yes, fishing is often better than normal when it's raining, but it may not be the rain itself causing the hot bite. Pay attention to as many factors as you can. But above all, don't let a little precipitation prevent you from going out or staying out on the water.
What colors are good for bass fishing in the rain? ›The number one fishing tip for bass fishing in the rain is darker lures.... any color is fine as long as it's black. Okay - as long as it's dark and preferably opaque- like green pumpkin, because bass have a hard time seeing lures in low-light conditions on rainy days.
Do bass bite topwater in rain? ›Topwater All Day
If you are fishing in the pouring rain, not a drizzle but a steady downpour you need to fish the top of the water. Bass are incredibly active when it's raining heavily, so using a buzz bait or jitterbug is a great way to get attention and have bass take your bait.
One of the best times to catch bass is right before a cold front moves in. The warm air associated with pre-frontal conditions usually offer rising water temperatures which increase the bite. The pre-frontal conditions also generally produce favorable wind and cloud cover.
What lures are best after rain? ›Spinnerbaits can be ideal for fishing after a rain storm, especially if you're targeting bass in muddy water. Spinnerbaits can create flash and vibration that can attract bass in low visibility and lure them to strike. These could be ideal lures for fishing where the runoff is entering the lake, close to the banks.
What is the best way to fish in the rain? ›- Fish right before the storm. ...
- When fishing in wet weather, wear foul weather gear. ...
- Make noise, use color and contrast. ...
- Fish water movement. ...
- Fish the windblown shoreline after the storm passes. ...
- Pick up the speed. ...
- Try topwater. ...
- Practice safety first.
Do you catch more fish after rain? ›
After a rainstorm, fish may become more active. They may leave their shelter and hunt for food. If the water is rough or if the rain has caused higher levels of turbidity (silt, mud, and sand) to cloud the water, the fish will have more difficulty finding food.
Is it good to lure fish in the rain? ›Fishing when raining:
You might not be up for sitting in waterproofs on a soggy river bank, but during and just after the rain there are lots of flies flying around the surface of the water and this attracts the fish.
The best time to fish is before the storm hits. The fish can sense the change in barometric pressure, and they do their best to take in as much food as possible. The reason for this is that during a rainstorm, most fish hunker down and weather out the storm.
What is the best bass lure after rain? ›Spinnerbaits can be ideal for fishing after a rain storm, especially if you're targeting bass in muddy water. Spinnerbaits can create flash and vibration that can attract bass in low visibility and lure them to strike. These could be ideal lures for fishing where the runoff is entering the lake, close to the banks.