Fishing is a very popular pastime, but many people think that they can’t go fishing while it is raining. Is this true? Does rain negatively impact fishing or can it be a good thing?
Rain does not negatively impact fishing. 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. This makes the fish go to the surface and, in turn, makes them easier to catch.
Now that you know that rain actually improves the likelihood that you will catch fish, you may be wondering if the fishing is also good even after it stops raining. Well, let’s talk about it!
How Does Rain Impact Fishing?
Rain positively impacts fishing because the rain tends to bring fish to the surface of the water. When the rain hits the surface of the water, air bubbles are created and microorganisms that fish eat rise to the surface. They do this so they can absorb oxygen and because the water has been disturbed in a way that makes them rise to the surface. This means that in order to eat, the fish need to go closer to the surface where fishermen can catch them with a rod and lure.
Most fish prefer dark nooks and crannies and avoid the sun. This means that the dim light that occurs when it rains will cause the fish to come from the depths of the water to the surface. They love gloomy weather and fishermen can use this behavior to their advantage. The diluted light that comes during a rainstorm also makes your fishing line less visible and turbulent water will make fish less suspicious of your lures.
However, the reaction that fish have to rain is not universal. Some fish don’t like rain, so they will actually go deeper into the water rather than closer to the surface during a rainstorm. Many of the fish will also be less active if it has been raining for a long time and the water is colder than normal. This is because fish are cold-blooded animals and don’t like the decrease in temperature. The warmer it is, the more active they are. The colder it is, the less active they are.
If you live in an area where it is warm while it rains, you should be able to catch many fish if you go fishing on a rainy day. However, if you live in an area where it becomes very cold while it rains, it may be best for you to stay inside and fish on a warmer day when the fish will be more active.
Does Rain Affect Fishing Even After It Stops?
Rain does affect fishing conditions, even after it stops. After it stops raining, there is a lot of oxygen on the surface levels of the water because the rain stirred up the water. 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. Fish will generally be closer to the surface of the water during and after a period of rain.
The clouds that brought the rain don’t immediately go away after the rain stops either. This means that it stays dark after the rain leaves. Most fish enjoy darkness, which means that they will venture from the depths of the water to the surface, which makes it easier for you to catch them.
According to people who frequently go fishing, 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. This added hunger usually means that they will be less wary of lures, which is always a bonus.
If you want to catch a lot of fish, but don’t want to go fishing in the rain, wait to go until right after the rain stops. The fish will still be near the water’s surface and the water will still be dark, so it should be easy to catch as many fish as you want.
Should I Fish in the Rain or After?
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. However, if your weather forecasts tell you when it will stop raining, you can try to go fishing right before it stops raining so you don’t get as wet as you would if you were fishing during the heaviest part of the rainstorm.
However, do not go fishing if there will be thunder and lightning in the area. If you go fishing, you may be hit by lightning because of the metal on your fishing rod. In extremely stormy conditions, you probably won’t even be able to catch anything anyway because many fish stay deep underwater while it is windy. The fish will also be skittish during a lightning storm, so they will be wary of your fishing lure and likely not bite, which means you won’t catch them. Look after your own safety first, then worry about catching fish.
If you go fishing in the rain, make sure you are wearing rain gear that will prevent you from getting soaked. Also, wear clothing that will keep you warm. Keep dry clothes in your car that you can change into after you finish fishing so you can start warming up immediately. If you don’t, then you might get sick and you won’t be able to go fishing for a while.
If you choose to go fishing in the rain and use a boat, keep an eye on the amount of water that is in your boat, and don’t let it get too high. Bring a container that you can use to scoop water out of your boat, especially if it is raining really hard.
If you choose to go fishing after a rainstorm, wait in your car until it stops raining, and then head out and start fishing. That way, you won’t get as wet and you will still be likely to catch a lot of fish.
