Some anglers love catching fish in the rain, while others find rain restricting. If you’ve never tried rain fishing, you might ask; can you fish in the rain? Is it better to fish in the rain? Does rain affect fishing? Or is fishing in the rain worth it?
Yes, it is worth fishing during the rain. But you must learn how to stay safe and what techniques work best during this time. This guide provides you with five productivity tips for fishing in the rain.
Written by
Larry Stark, Founder / Main Editor
Professional fisherman, who loves to review new fishing gadgets.
Table of Contents
Practice Safety First
Your safety is of utmost importance when fishing. Light rain will get you soaked but does not pose safety threats. However, get out of the open waters once the rain intensifies.
Also, if the weather forecast predicts an incoming storm, plan your fishing trip 2 to 3 days before the storm. Low barometric pressure before a storm sends fish into a feeding frenzy, making this the most productive fishing time. Once the storm hits, stay away from the water.
Evaluate the Possibilities and Strength of Rain
A huge difference exists between light and heavy rain and a big storm. Light rain aerates and cools the water temperature in hot summer months, making fish more active to strike.
Rain also flushes nutrients and insects into the water, which attracts baitfish and predator fish. Most anglers have successfully caught bass in runoff water as these predators waited for prey. If you are into saltwater fishing, gamefish are also drawn to surface runoffs.
However, refrain from fishing in heavy rain with high winds, thunder, and lightning storms. Handling a graphite fishing rod during a lightning storm can lead to disaster. Besides, you’ll have no luck getting bites as fish take refuge in deeper waters.
Fish resume activity only after the storm passes and the barometric pressure begins rising. Anglers mention that most productive fishing happens after a storm because the fish are hungry. So, get ready with chum and stinky bait as they attract fish with blood or oil scent.
Try Topwater
Topwater fishing is effective before and during rain. Low barometric pressure triggers active feeding before the rain. Once it starts raining, the fish readily pursue topwater lures, thanks to the raindrops breaking the water surface and the cloud cover blocking the sun. Current seams, ledges, and points are the best fishing locations to cast artificial bait.
Learn more about the best topwater fishing lures and the best topwater rods in these guides.
Pick Right Choice of Gear
Ensure you wear appropriate clothing for wet weather fishing. Quality waterproof gear makes a fishing adventure fun and comfortable. So, dress in layers to stay warm while preventing raindrops from soaking you.
Other than appropriate clothing, maintain a positive mindset. Focus on the bright side of rain fishing and expect great results.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Fish feed aggressively when it’s raining, so do not be afraid to experiment with different techniques.
For starters, speed up your bait or use varying speeds depending on the target fish. When fishing bass, start burning the bait by reeling it fast, ensuring it stays two inches below the water’s surface. Also, avoid staying at one location since the fish are more widespread.
Fly fishing is also an effective technique when fishing in the rain. Present your flies in slack water pools, targeting structures and foam lines.
Make Noise, Use Color, and Contrast
Run-off water is rich in nutrients but makes the water murky, decreasing visibility. So, while selecting artificial baits, opt for bright colors models that make noise and vibrations to attract fish. Spinnerbaits loud thumping blades, popping corks, and crankbaits effectively draw fish to take bait since they cannot see it.
Moreover, use large spinnerbaits when fishing in the rain. Larger spinners are more visible in stained water and reach deeper depths where the fish hide.
Fish Water Movement
Do fish like rain? Yes. In fact, it is easier to locate actively feeding fish in the rain. Areas with runoffs bring oxygen, minerals, and food into the water, drawing different kinds of fish. Most fish hang around creek inlets, culvert pipes, and mud lines, ready to take advantage of baitfish.
But when heavy rain causes the currents and waves to increase, fish take shelter in the leeward side of structures, such as rocks or hide in deep holes. These structures provide safety from large swells and waves and are the best spots to look for fish once the current lessens.