About Weather Conditions for Fishing

Fishing on the water

Various weather conditions affect fishing and angler success. Understanding how weather plays into fish behavior can improve any day on the water. Selecting equipment and tackle dependent on weather is important. Anglers often need to change presentation methods and techniques to suit varying temperatures, wind conditions and water levels.

Time Frame

Anglers should have an understanding of weather time frames before beginning a new season. Depending on location, summer months provide warmer conditions and often better fishing conditions. Winter months tend to slow fish activity, due to lack of energy. If the temperature is too high, fish tend to be lethargic. Fishing in the morning and late evening provides excellent angling opportunities, as it coincides with time frames in which many fish feed heavily.

Types

Various types of weather affect fishing, both negatively and positively. Windy weather can be a nightmare for anglers attempting to make precise casts. On the other hand, wind can effectively camouflage an angler, as the water surface is disturbed. Cloudy days can be beneficial for fishing, as cooler temps and less reflection create active fish feeding. Rain poses a problem for fishermen using surface bait, as fish have difficulty deciphering between raindrops and the actual bait.

Effects

Weather affects the tackle used by anglers. Fishing during heavy winds can affect presentation, prompting many anglers to use heavier, stiffer rods. These rods allow bait to cut through the wind easier and at faster rates. Hot days affect the motion an angler will add to bait and flies. It is beneficial to move the bait in slow motions so fish have an opportunity to strike even when faced with low energy levels.

Misconceptions

Many inexperienced anglers believe winter to be a bad time of year to fish because of poor weather. Many streams and lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities during these cold and often bad weather conditions. During winter months fish gather in pods near dams, feeding on warm water insects spilling from the reservoir above. Fishing these sections of tailwater during cloudy winter days can lead to great success.

Identification

Identifying weather patterns before a fishing trip is beneficial. Knowing the next day's weather allows an angler to change equipment, clothing and location. Each state provides a division of water resources website, displaying up-to-date flow rates and river conditions. River and lake height can change due to snow or rain, changing fish behavior. During summer months the high country experiences high snow melt and mountain runoff, swelling drainage basins and making fishing difficult. Checking current conditions during these months can help prepare an angler for the day's conditions.

References

• Fishing Capital: When to Go Fishing?
• Fishing Tips
• Weather.com: How Weather Affects Fish Activity

Resources

• The Weather Channel: Fishing Forecast