Yes, you can fish in the rain, and it can even be advantageous as fish tend to be more active during or after rainfall. However, it’s important to take necessary safety precautions such as wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding lightning-prone areas.
Sometimes when we go fishing, the weather is not always sunny and hot, sometimes, we face weather that is rainy. When we fish in the rain, it can give us opportunities to be able to catch even more fish than if it is warm and sunny.
When it rains, some fishermen decide that they will not go out in the rain to catch fish, but by following these tips, you can see that fishing in the rain can make for a successful day.
In fact, there are some fish, like the walleye, that feed more actively during low light, overcast, and windy conditions than they do during clear, calm, and sunny days.
Table of Contents
1. Wear the Correct Clothing
When you are fishing in the sun and the dry weather, it is easy to know what to wear such as a short sleeve top and a pair of shorts. In the snow, it is important to dress in layers so that you do not get too cold while you are fishing. Fishing in the rain is the same, you need to prepare yourself so that you can stay dry and warm.
Wearing waterproof clothing such as a waterproof jacket and shoes can help to keep you dry and warm and can provide you protection when the rain comes. Always bring extra clothing in case you get wet or you might get cold and soggy and it will lessen your day on the water.
2. Be Safe
Fishing is a great pastime; some even fish as part of their career. Being safe is always them most important part of any fishing trip that you take. If it begins to rain and you are on the water or if you are about to head out, make sure that it is not thundering or lightening. If it is thundering or lightening, it is not safe for you to be out on the water or fishing. Always pay attention to the weather around you before you plan your day. Remember, storms can sometimes pop up out of nowhere. If this happens, get to some place safe as soon as you can.
3. Watch the Barometric Pressure
Many fishermen base their fishing trips on what is going on around them. Sometimes, barometric pressure starts to drop when it starts to rain. This generally happens before a storm is coming. When the barometric pressure is low, it causes the fish to be lively and to move around a lot. When this happens, this is a great time to fish. When the storm comes and a little while after, the barometric pressure gets high again and it can cause the fish to slow down.
Using the barometric pressure in combination with the solunar cycles can be a great way to pick fish feeding frenzies.
4. Use Different Types of Lures
During the rain, the water can become muddied and cloudy. When this happens, it can be hard for fish to be able to see the bait. Try to find lures that are bigger and more colorful so that the fish can see them.
5. Make More Noise
Often times during fishing you are told to “be quiet and don’t scare away the fish.” Even though this is true in many fishing trips, fishing in the rain is different. Since the rain is generally loud, the fish can be distracted. Try and make more noise when you are fishing in the rain to attract the fish to your bait.
6. Pay Attention to Tides
When the tides are higher, it causes the bait fish to be stirred up. When this happens, many fish will congregate to the area where the bait fish are. Fishing in high tides, which often come during rainy weather, can help make your trip successful.
7. Watch the Movement of the Water
When the rain is coming the water is moving around and the raindrops are making the water to ripple and move. The movement of the water can attract fish that are looking for moving bait. Make sure to fish where there is simple movement. Too much movement can disrupt the fish and make the trip not as successful.
8. Fish in Shallow Water
When rain comes, the fish often will move to water that is not as deep or shallow. It is sometimes best to fish at the top of the water or in shallow areas where the fish are more likely to be.
9. Wear Fishing Gloves
I highly recommend getting yourself a quality pair of fishing gloves, particularly when fishing in poor conditions.
In poor light, you are more likely to cut yourself on a fish’s dorsal spine when handling it, particularly if it is wet and slippery.
It is also much more likely that you will slip over on any wet rocks around and protecting your hands on impact is a saving grace.
Fishing in the rain can be a very successful day of fishing. Even though some fishermen choose to stay out of the water on rainy days, these days are often seen to be very successful and fish biting days.
Just make sure you are prepared and plan your day around storms or any danger.
I have also written an article focusing on bass fishing in the rain that you might find interesting.