Is there really a bad weather day for fishing?

As long as the weather conditions are safe enough to fish, there are still fish in the water and you can catch them! The weather is constantly changing, so you have to FISH DIFFERENT to match the conditions.

With today’s technology on boats and smartphones it is easier than ever to track weather changes and adapt the way you are fishing.

Cloud coverage

Sunny and bright:

Bass are predators that like to stay camouflaged and ambush their pray. We have all heard the term “blue bird sky’s” and that’s why the bass weren’t biting.

When the water is bright and clear, bass tend to avoid open water. You will normally find bass tight to cover, such as rocks, weed beds, logs, and docks.

It is best to switch to a slower presentation such as a drop shot or another finesse style of fishing. Colors and patterns that match the forage of the lake are best in this situation. If you find structure with baitfish near by, the bass will more than likely be hiding in the darkest shadows of that structure.

Cloudy and overcast:

Bass tend to be more active when there is cloud coverage, and the water has less light penetration. Bass will venture further out of the structure to find their next meal.

When there are cloudy conditions you can speed up your presentation, due to the higher aggression from the bass. Since there is less light penetration flashy lures tend to do good, such as spinner baits and other bladed style lures.

Darker colors will create a silhouette, and brighter colors create a contrast. In these conditions I tend to stay away from natural colors that can camouflage in the water.

Weather Fronts

Incoming weather front:

When a cold front is coming in, there is a greater chance of storms and it will typically trigger bass to feed.

You can switch to a more aggressive style of fishing, such as crank baits. When a cold front is moving it is most likely accompanied by cloudy and windy conditions, so you can utilize those tactics as well. Just be aware that a storm may be moving into the area, so use caution.

Outgoing weather front:

Once the front has passed bass will become more lethargic. There are normally less clouds and the winds tend to calm down. At this point you should be reaching for slower moving baits and finesse-style rigs. It can also be useful to downsize some of the lures you are using.

Wind conditions:

Wind is a pain to deal with when fishing. I usually spend more time trying to control my boat and stop my lure from wrapping around my rod than I do fishing.

The wind can give us some valuable insight into where the bass are though. The wind stirs up the waters and pushes plant matter and small organic life into the shoreline it is directed at. Baitfish will gather around those shorelines to be close to their food source.

If there is baitfish, you can guarantee that the bass will be close by. Since the water is more turbulent in windy conditions, you can opt to throw a few crank baits and spinners. You can also use bigger weights on soft plastic baits, so you keep in contact with the bottom.

Barometric Pressure

It pays off to watch the barometric pressure while fishing for bass. You can use barometric pressure to get an idea of how the bass are moving.

There are tons of free weather apps and standalone barometer apps to see the exact pressure at your location and how it is changing.

High Pressure:

Generally, anything over 30.20 inHg is considered high pressure. High pressure means the weather is usually calm with clear skies and cooler

Low pressure:

Low pressure is generally a reading below 29.80 inHg on the barometer. Low pressure means the weather is warmer and rainier.

Pressure changes:

If the pressure is 30.20 inHg or above

• barometer raising – conditions will remain unchanged
• barometer slowly falling – slight change
• barometer falling fast – front is moving in

If the pressure is 29.80 inHg or lower

• barometer raising – conditions will clear
• barometer slowly falling – greater chances of rain
• barometer falling fast – storms are approaching

**If the barometer is remaining steady conditions will usually remain consistent.

Bass will start to react to weather before the weather changes. If you are fishing the current conditions and notice a lack of bass, check the barometer and see if a weather change is getting ready to happen.

If you fish the current conditions, you have a better probability of catching more bass. The current weather and weather changes all cause bass to react. Gaining every advantage you can will make fishing more enjoyable for you and everyone else on your boat.

Free printable quick reference guides below!

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