Imagine planning a fishing trip, but the weatherman predicts rain on the same day. What would be going through your mind? An obvious question should be – Is it good to go fishing after it rains?
Moreover, there are also instances when you reach for fishing, and suddenly it starts pouring down. So, you again need clarification about whether to pack and move back or wait for the rain to stop.
There is no fixed template for fishing after rain, as it depends on numerous factors. Since, many die-hard anglers would not lose hope and remain adamant in pursuit of fishing.
As a result, the chances of hitting the jackpot can go either way after the rain. Fish generally move places when it rains as it can sense changes in temperature, oxygen, and barometer pressures.
We will have a detailed look at fishing after rain in this article.
Pros and Cons of Fishing Before Rain, During Rain, and After Rain
There are numerous factors to consider before heading out for fishing if rain gods are hovering around. Here are the pros and cons of fishing across the rain.
Pros of Fishing Before Rain
- Fish become active, making fishing easy
- Clearwater leads to a better lure
- Fish is more willing to change food before a storm
- It will stay in one place
Cons of Fishing Before Rain
- More anglers reduce the chances of catch
- You have to do it in a hurry to avoid a storm
Pros of Fishing during Rain
- Fish come to the surface during rain
- Less fishing competition
- Adventurous
Cons of Fishing during Rain
- High risk
- Low visibility
Pros of Fishing after Rain
- More feeding opportunities
- Abundance of live bait
- Comfortable temperatures
Cons of Fishing after Rain
- Low visibility
- Unpredictable weather conditions
What You Need To Know About Fishing After Rain
Seasonal rain is integral to the fish population, as fish activity speculates after rain. Many studies have proved the fact that the fish population dramatically increases after rain.
However fish activity is lower during the rain, but once the rain is over, fish are most active. Hence, the chances of catching fish increase after rain.
Let’s have a look at a few mechanisms to better understand fishing after rain.
Why Fish Activity Increases After Rain
Since rainfall increases oxygen, nutrients, and water levels, it increases fish activity. All these changes encourage fish; the food availability has increased, so fish come to the surface for breeding.
The Rain Usually Brings More Food
Since rainwater flows into streams, carrying organic materials with it. Such an abundance of food attracts fish either directly or indirectly. Moreover, high water volume stirs up benthic regions, exposing more food for hungry fish.
Fish Enjoy Cloudy/Murky Water Conditions
With heavy water movements, the visibility of predators decreases. Meaning fish can enjoy the meal without worrying about being caught.
The Rain Cools A Waterbody
Since rain reduces water temperature, it encourages fish to start moving around. It increases fish energy and their feeding activities.
Air Pressure Is A Determining Factor – High atmospheric pressure is preferable for fishing after the rain. However, it can go down as well and thus becomes a deciding factor for fishing after the rain.
How Long After It Rains Should I Wait To Fish?
Fish activity is low during the rainfall as air pressure is also low. Therefore, fish stay calm and avoid feeding during rain. However, once the thunderstorm is over, the fish becomes active.
Here are conditions that determine how long after the rain the best time for fishing is.
- The volume of rainfall is directly related to fish activity. High rainfall will take more time to settle the water streams. However, heavy downpours result in better fishing options.
- The duration of rain also determines fishing activity. For instance, rain for an entire day is more likely to offer more fish.
- The type of water body, a small river, will experience drastic effects compared to bigger ponds. Therefore, heavy rainfall on a small pond could sweep away the fish.
- Some fish prefer to come out quicker after the rain than others.
Best Ways For Fishing After Rain
Fishing after the rain is a good idea if you adopt certain strategies. Here are methods to use to get maximum results out of your fishing expedition after the rain.
- Target marcles and tarpons as these are high-energy fish and the most active after the rain.
- Flounders are a good target option as high water currents displace them.
- Try fishing along the shelf as bait fish move to such areas during rougher water.
- Go to deeper water if the weather is cold.
- You can use fish finders if the water needs to be clearer.
Is It Ideal to Go Fishing in the Rain?
As long as there are no severe downpours and lightning around, fishing in the rain is an excellent idea. However, it is a challenging task as the weather is not in favor of fishing.
Therefore, fishing in the rain depends on certain circumstances, including the following.
1. The intensity of the rain
It all comes down to the intensity of the rain. Light to moderate rain is favorable conditions, while an intense downpour is not good for fishing.
2. The outside temperature
If the temperature remains favorable for you to continue fishing, do not stop. However, if it drops too much, it is better to stay indoors and wait for temperature to improve.
3. Your ability to see the water
Rain will obstruct the vision of fish and yours, so choose only to go out if you have a clear vision. Perceiving danger is the best way to prevent it.
4. The clothing you wear and protection
Always wear clothes that will keep you dry if you have decided to go fishing in the rain. As damp clothes in low temperatures can cause hypothermia.
How Does Fishing Affect the Intensity of the Rain?
Water levels, clarity, and fish patterns are all affected by the intensity of rain. The below-mentioned factors affect fishing due to the intensity of the rain.
Water Level
Runoff from heavy rain can send worms into the river. Water levels tend to improve the supply of oxygen and thus attract more fish.
Clarity of Water
Heavy rain impacts the clarity of the water. In warm rain, you can expect more baitfish. Due to less feeding activity, you will easily catch bass and trout.
Patterning in Fish
Generally, fish travel to freshwater, entering the lake or river to get more food and air. Fish-eating behavior or patterning changes with the amount of rain.
What Type Of Fish Can You Catch After Rain?
Bass is the most active fish after the rain. Although you can get other species as well, the chances of coming around bass are the brightest.
Fishing For Bass After Rain
Bass is the species that will attack anything appearing edible, especially shad. However, light rain is the perfect source of activating bass feeding activity. It is due to increased oxygen and lower barometric pressure.
Other Fish That Are Active After Rain
Other than bass, you can also get the mentioned species if you go out fishing after the rain.
- Black drum
- Bluegill
- Catfish
- Redfish
- Pike
- Snook
- Tarpons
- Trout(speckled)
What Is The Best Bait To Use After Rain?
Bait selection is the tricky part, as you would want something fish can smell in turbulent waters. Therefore, clams are a preferred option for many anglers as they retain potency in cloudy waters.
Lures are also a good option; however, these will not be suitable if the water current is fast. Moreover, spinnerbaits are also a good choice as they cause underwater flashes. Likewise, if the water is warm, top-water frogs are also a good option.
What Techniques And Equipment Work Best After Rain?
Gadgets are always the epicenter of fishing, as they can make or break the outcome. Here are a few techniques to apply for a successful fishing experience after the rain.
- Try to match your line with the water. For instance, use a darker color if the water is murky.
- Lures will not work if the water current is high.
- Lures work best in shallows. You can use weedless lures if fishing around trees or bank vegetation.
- Spinning is a great choice after the rain. Further, you can use jigging and other short rod techniques.
- Get the bait closer to the fish, as visibility is low after rain.
Where Should You Fish After Rain
Any place having fish is the best place to fish after the rain. However, if you have drainage pathways, take them. Likewise, choose areas where rivers enter creeks and lakes. Further, oceans are always the best place to fish after rain as they rarely take the downpour toll.
Things to Consider When Fishing After Rain
Here are key things to keep in mind when you go out for fishing after rain.
Choose Lures Effectively
Always use a vertical lure, as fish are sluggish after the rain.
Look for Feeder Creeks
The fish are attracted to the runoff area where rain water enters the lake, as it is oxygen-rich.
Observe the Clouds
When the sun comes out after rain, bass, and trout generally dive deeper. Further, keep an eye out for clouds and avoid fishing if it is not favorable.
The Pros And Cons Of Fishing After Rain
There are mixed comments when it comes to fishing after the rain. Let us have a look at the pros and cons of fishing after rain.
The Advantages Of Fishing After Rain
- High chance of fish
- Fish species become active
- Fish feel safer
The Disadvantages Of Fishing After Rain
- Risks of floods and mudslides
- Strong currents make fishing impossible
- Fish struggle to see the bait
Conclusion
Is it good to go fishing after it rains? It depends on many factors. These factors include the amount of rain, temperature, preferred fish species, and weather forecast. Moreover, if you love adventure, fishing after rain is the best time to hit the jackpot.
Fish are the most active after the rain; thus, you can get lucky with the best catches. However, if it has rained heavily, the water current can take away all the fish.
So, with increased chances comes risk as well. Therefore, it is better to run a risk analysis and make the move accordingly.
FAQ
Is It Good to Fish After Rain?
Yes! Because fish are more active due to increased oxygen and availability of feed.
Is It Better to Fish Before or After Rain?
Fishing after the rain is better than before. The reason for this is that rainwater improves barometer pressures, which makes fish actively look for food.
Can You Fish in the Rain?
If the rain is light, you can go out for fishing. However, fishing is not advisable if there is a thunderstorm with lightning.
How Does Barometric Pressure Affect Fishing?
High barometric pressures make fish active, and they look for food. Contrarily, low barometric pressures would keep fish energy low and the chances of a good catch reduced.
What About Fly Fishing After a Rain?
Inclement weather, such as light rain is the perfect weather for fly-fishing because insects and other food prefer low light.
Is Saltwater Fishing Affected by Rain?
Yes, saltwater fishing is affected by rain as any other type of fishing. High rain will leave with low chances of saltwater fishing and vice versa.