Fishing While Raining: Steps for Wet Weather Angling Success

Have you ever looked out the window on a rainy day and thought, "Well, there goes my fishing trip"? Think again! Fishing while raining can actually be one of the most rewarding experiences for anglers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into why you should embrace the rain, how to make the most of these wet conditions, and everything you need to know to become a master of rainy day fishing.

Why Fish in the Rain?

Rainy weather creates a unique environment that can seriously amp up your fishing game. Let's break down the reasons why fishing in the rain can be so productive:

1. Fish Get Active

Rain does more than just make the water wet. It actually changes the water conditions in ways that can benefit fish and, by extension, anglers:

• Oxygenation: As raindrops hit the water surface, they introduce tiny air bubbles. This process increases the oxygen levels in the water, especially in the upper layers. More oxygen means more active fish, as they can breathe easier and have more energy.
• Temperature Changes: Rain often cools the water, particularly in the summer months. Many fish species become more active in cooler water, as it's more comfortable for them. This temperature change can trigger feeding behavior.
• Water Movement: Rain creates currents and water movement, which many fish species find attractive. It mimics natural food-rich environments and can stimulate their predatory instincts.

2. Feeding Frenzy

Heavy rains don't just add water to lakes and rivers – they bring a buffet with them:

• Insect Activity: Many insects become more active just before and during light rain. This increased activity on the water's surface can trigger feeding behavior in fish.
• Runoff Bonanza: Rain washes insects, worms, and other small creatures into the water from surrounding land. This sudden influx of food can trigger a feeding frenzy among fish.
• Dislodged Underwater Food: The disturbance caused by rain can dislodge aquatic insects and small creatures from their hiding spots, making them easy prey for fish.

3. Fish Feel Safer

Rainy conditions can make fish feel more secure, which often translates to more aggressive feeding behavior:

• Reduced Visibility: Raindrops on the water's surface and increased water turbidity reduce visibility both above and below the water. This makes it harder for fish to spot potential danger, including anglers.
• Sound Masking: The sound of rain hitting the water can mask other noises that might normally spook fish, such as footsteps on a bank or a boat motor.
• Low Light Conditions: Overcast skies associated with rain create low light conditions that many fish species prefer for feeding, especially predatory fish like bass and pike.

Best Techniques for Rainy Day Fishing

Now that we understand why fishing in the rain can be so productive, let's explore how to make the most of these conditions:

1. Go Loud or Go Home

In murky, rainy conditions, fish rely more on their lateral lines (sensory organs that detect vibrations) to locate prey. This is where noisy lures come into play:

• Buzzbaits: These lures create a lot of surface commotion, which can attract fish from a distance. The vibration and noise mimic struggling prey on the surface.
• Poppers: These create a "popping" sound when retrieved, imitating prey on the water's surface. The sound can draw curious fish from deeper water.
• Rattling Crankbaits: These lures have internal rattles that create vibrations as they move through the water. In low visibility conditions, these vibrations can be irresistible to predatory fish.

Technique tip: Vary your retrieval speed and rhythm to find what the fish are responding to on any given day.

2. Speed It Up

Rain often makes fish more aggressive and spread out. This calls for a change in your retrieval tactics:

• Cover More Water: By retrieving your lures faster, you can cover more area and increase your chances of encountering active fish.
• Trigger Reaction Strikes: Fast-moving lures can trigger a predatory response in fish, causing them to strike even if they're not actively feeding.
• Mimic Fleeing Prey: Quick retrieves can mimic prey fish trying to escape, which can be irresistible to predatory species.

Remember, though, that "faster" doesn't always mean as fast as you can reel. Experiment with different speeds to find what works best on any given day.

3. Follow the Food

During rain, certain areas become hotspots for feeding fish. Target these areas for the best results:

• Culverts and Drains: These areas often have concentrated runoff, which can bring a lot of food into the water. Fish often gather near these spots to take advantage of the easy meal.
• Creek Inlets: Where creeks or streams enter larger bodies of water, there's often an influx of food and changes in water temperature. These factors can attract feeding fish.
• Mud Lines: Areas where clear water meets muddy water (often created by runoff) can be prime feeding zones. Fish often patrol these edges, picking off disoriented prey.
• Shorelines: Rain can wash terrestrial insects and other prey into the water along shorelines, attracting feeding fish.

Tip: Pay attention to wind direction during rain. Fish often position themselves on the windward side of a lake or pond, where food is likely to be blown.

4. Brighten Up Your Bait

In stained or murky water caused by rain, bright colors can help your lure stand out:

• Chartreuse: This bright yellow-green color is highly visible in dirty water and can attract fish from a distance.
• Orange: Especially effective in stained water, orange can mimic the color of many prey fish.
• Red: In darker conditions, red can appear black to fish, creating a strong silhouette that can trigger strikes.
• White: In heavily stained water, white can provide a good contrast and visibility.

Don't be afraid to use lures that are brighter or more garish than you might normally choose. The goal is visibility in tough conditions.