Are Fish More Aggressive After or During Rain? – Fish Chart’s Rain Fishing Tips

Have you ever noticed how fishing can get a lot more exciting when it rains? Many anglers believe fish act differently during and after rain. They say bass become more active and feed eagerly. We’ve been getting a question: “Are fish more aggressive after or during rain?” This question has been particularly common since we uncovered our list of fishing gear and things to bring in the rain.

So in this article, we’ll see if fish really do get more aggressive when it rains, based on what seasoned anglers have noticed. Let’s jump in and see how these changes can make your fishing trips more successful!

Fish Behavior During Rain

Many anglers notice that fish behave differently during and after rain, often making them more active and eager to bite. Rain increases oxygen levels in the water, changing fishing conditions and making fish more energetic.

Overcast skies and rain reduce light, which makes fish feel more secure and willing to chase lures. Also washes insects and other food into the water, attracting smaller fish, which in turn attracts bigger fish looking for an easy meal.

Water temperature can change with the rain too. Warm rain can make fish in shallow waters more active, while cold rain might push fish to different areas, but they often still feed actively. Rain can also create stronger currents, concentrating fish in specific areas where they can easily find food.

Understanding these changes can help you adjust your fishing strategy, leading to more successful and enjoyable fishing trips. So, next time it rains, remember these tips, and you might just find it’s the perfect time to catch more fish.

Bass Fishing During Rain

During and after rain, bass becomes more active and aggressive. The rain increases oxygen in the water and lowers light levels, making them feel secure and ready to hunt. They often move to shallower waters where rain washes in food.

Using flashy lures or topwater baits can be very effective, rain is usually not a negative factor; it can activate the entire ecosystem and make bass more aggressive due to increased prey availability.

Speaking of topwater, you should check our article on topwater fishing in the rain.

Bluegill and Panfish

Bluegill and other panfish are more likely to feed near the surface during and after rain. The rain stirs up insects and other food, making these fish more active and easier to catch. Small, bright lures or live bait work well in these conditions. They become very competitive during rain, often racing to catch insects knocked into the water.

Trout and Steelhead

Trout and steelhead tend to become more active with the increased flow and cooler water temperatures brought by rain. They often move into faster currents where food is more abundant. Using drift baits or wet flies can be particularly effective in these conditions.

They tend to be more active after a rain, especially when water levels rise, creating optimal conditions for their upstream movement and feeding.

Fish Behavior After Rain

Understanding how fish behavior changes after rain can greatly improve your fishing success. By knowing where to find different species and what techniques to use, you can take full advantage of the post-rain conditions. So, next time the rain clears, head out to your favorite fishing spot and use these insights to land a great catch.

Steelhead

After a rain, steelhead show increased activity, particularly in tributaries where the water levels have risen. This is especially noticeable during spawning runs. The higher water levels create more flow and cover, which steelhead use to move upstream more easily. Anglers often find success targeting steelhead in these conditions by focusing on these tributary areas, using lures and baits that mimic the natural prey being washed in by the rain.

Bass

Bass fishing can be particularly fruitful after rain. The lower light conditions that follow rain showers, combined with the often murkier water, make bass less cautious and more likely to bite. They tend to move into shallower waters where visibility is lower, making them easier to target. Techniques such as using spinnerbaits and crankbaits can be effective in these conditions, as bass are actively hunting for food in the disturbed environment.

Walleye

Walleye are known to be effective hunters along the edges of dirty water draining into rivers or lakes after a rain. These areas, where clear water meets murky runoff, create prime ambush spots for walleye. The influx of nutrients and smaller prey washed in by the rain makes these spots attractive feeding grounds. Anglers targeting walleye in these conditions should use lures that mimic small fish or other prey that are likely to be found in the runoff areas.

Positive Effects

Fishing during or after rain can be rewarding. Rain increases oxygen levels, making fish more active and ready to feed. Overcast skies and lower light make fish feel safer and more likely to strike. Rain washes insects into the water, attracting baitfish and larger fish. Stronger currents concentrate fish in specific areas.

Cooler water from rain makes fish more comfortable and active. Fewer anglers mean less competition. Murky water provides cover for predatory fish. Rain inflow brings new food sources to spots like creek mouths.

Negative Effects

Fishing during or after rain can be challenging. Heavy rain can introduce bacteria and pollutants, making fishing unpleasant. Lightning and slippery surfaces are safety hazards, so always check the weather. Reduced visibility and murky water make it harder to see fish and cast accurately. Muddy water affects fish behavior, making them harder to locate. Rising water levels create strong currents and make some spots inaccessible.

Fishing in the rain can be uncomfortable, with risks of getting wet and cold, leading to potential health issues like hypothermia. Fish may temporarily hide during heavy rain due to sudden environmental changes.

Tips for Fishing During and After Rain

Wear Proper Gear: Staying dry and warm is crucial when fishing in the rain. Invest in high-quality waterproof clothing, including a jacket, pants, and boots. Layer your clothing to adjust to changing temperatures, and don’t forget a waterproof hat and gloves to keep your head and hands warm.

You may also want to read:

Best Rain Gear For Fishing – Top 5 Tested
What to Bring Fishing in the Rain? – 11 Must-Have Things

Use Flashy Lures: Rain often makes the water murky, which can reduce visibility. Bright, flashy lures like spinnerbaits and crankbaits are easier for fish to see and hear in these conditions. These lures create vibrations and reflections that attract fish even in low visibility.

Target Shallow Waters: After a rainstorm, many fish move to shallow areas where rainwater has washed in food like insects and small baitfish. Focus your efforts on these areas, especially near feeder creeks and inlets where the influx of fresh water can draw fish.

Look for Mud Lines: Mud lines form where muddy rainwater meets clearer lake or river water. These areas often attract fish because they provide a natural ambush point for predators. Cast your lures along these lines to increase your chances of catching fish.

Focus on Currents: Rain can create stronger currents in the water, concentrating fish in specific areas where they can easily find food. Look for spots where currents break, such as behind rocks, near bends, or at the mouths of creeks. These areas are prime locations for fish to gather and feed.

Best Lures and Techniques For Fishing In the Rain

Topwater Baits

Topwater baits are fantastic during light rain, especially when many species of fish are feeding near the surface. These lures create splashes and noises that mimic struggling prey, grabbing the attention of nearby fish.

Cast your topwater bait near shallow areas or structures like logs and weed beds. Use a steady retrieve or a twitching motion to make bait fish mimic the erratic movement of prey. Early morning or late evening is often the best time for topwater action.

Spinnerbaits and Buzzbaits

Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are excellent for murky water caused by rain. Their bright colors and spinning blades create vibrations and flashes that attract fish even in low visibility.

Cast these lures near structures such as logs, rocks, or weed edges. Retrieve them steadily to keep the blades spinning and create a noticeable flash and vibration. These lures are perfect for drawing fish out from cover and triggering aggressive strikes.

After a rainstorm, many fish move to shallow areas where rainwater has washed in food like insects and small baitfish. This makes shallow fishing a prime technique. Rain also cools the surface and brings fish closer to the top, making shallow fishing more productive.

Focus on casting your lures near feeder creeks, inlets, lakes, and other shallow areas where fresh rainwater flows in. Use lures like soft plastics, jigs, or topwater baits to entice fish that are actively feeding in these nutrient-rich zones.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits are versatile and can dive to different depths, making them effective in the fish behave in various water conditions. Their wobbling action mimics baitfish, attracting fish in both clear and murky waters.

Use crankbaits along mud lines or in areas with strong currents created by rain. Cast and retrieve at varying speeds to find what triggers the most strikes. Crankbaits are particularly useful for covering a lot of water and locating active fish.

Best Fishing Spots to Target During & After Rain – Our Personal Experience

Shallow Flats: After a rain, shallow flats not far from boat ramps become hotspots as fish move in to feed on the new food sources washed in by the rain. Use topwater baits or shallow-running lures to catch fish feeding in these areas, especially where there is submerged vegetation or structure.

Current Breaks: Rain creates stronger currents, which concentrate fish in spots where the current slows down, like behind rocks or near creek mouths. Cast upstream and retrieve your lure through these calmer areas to attract fish waiting for food.

Drop-Offs and Deep Edges: Heavy rain can raise water levels, pushing fish to deeper water along drop-offs and deep edges. These areas offer a stable environment with less turbulent water. Use deep-diving crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastics to target fish along these underwater structures.
By targeting these key spots during and after rain, you can find fish in more predictable areas and increase your chances of a successful catch.

So, Should You Go Fishing In Rainy Weather?

Fishing in the rain can be a unique adventure. Rain increases oxygen levels in the water. This makes fish more active and eager to feed. You might get more bites and have a successful trip.

Overcast skies are great for fishing. They reduce light penetration in the water. Fish feel safer and are less cautious. They’re more likely to strike at lures.

Rain also washes insects into the water. This attracts baitfish, which in turn attract larger fish. More food means more feeding activity. Fewer anglers fish in the rain. This means less competition for the best spots. You might have the area all to yourself.

Cooler water temperatures from rain can help too. Fish are more comfortable and active, especially in warm weather.

But there are downsides. Safety is a big concern. Slippery surfaces and lightning are risks. Always check the weather forecast. Avoid fishing during thunderstorms.

Visibility can also be an issue. Overcast skies and murky water make it hard to see fish. Casting accurately becomes more challenging.

Heavy rain can make the water muddy. Fish behavior changes, and they might scatter or move to different depths. This makes them harder to locate. Fishing in the rain can be uncomfortable. Getting wet and cold can lead to health issues like hypothermia. Proper rain gear is essential to stay warm and dry.

Rising water levels can be problematic. Strong currents might make some spots inaccessible. Your fishing options could be limited.

Do Fish Bite Better During Rain?

Fish behavior in the rain varies by species, but many fish do become more active during rainy weather. This increased activity is often due to improved conditions such as higher oxygen levels, cooler temperatures, and increased prey availability.

For example, bass and panfish tend to be more aggressive and feed more actively when it rains. Rain can also wash insects and other food sources into the water, making it a prime time for fish to feed.

However, some species like catfish and carp may remain largely unaffected by rain and continue their usual activities

Do Fish Bite Better After a Storm?

Brown trout usually bite better after a storm. When the weather calms down, fish generally become more active due to the increased oxygen in the water and the abundance of food brought in by the rain. The water is clearer and cooler, so water clarity makes it a great time for fish to feed.

This period can trigger a feeding frenzy, making it an excellent time to cast your line and catch some aggressive fish. Often, fish become more active after a storm as the water settles and new food sources are available.

Why Do Fish Stop Biting After Rain?

In aquatic vegetation, fish might stop biting after heavy rain because it changes the water conditions. The water can become murky, and the levels and currents can shift, making fish less active and harder to find. The drop in temperature from the rain can also cause fish to feed less. These changes disrupt their normal feeding habits, making fishing more challenging.

In some cases, big fish may temporarily stop biting due to sudden changes in water conditions or due to the presence of pollutants.

FAQs

How does rain affect saltwater fishing?

Rain can affect saltwater fishing by changing the salinity and temperature of the water. Freshwater runoff can lower the salinity levels, which might drive some fish species deeper or further offshore. However, it can also attract certain species closer to the shore where food is washed in.

What types of fish are less active during rain?

Fish species that prefer clear, calm waters, such as certain types of bass or panfish, might be less active during heavy rain. The increased turbidity and changes in water conditions can make these fish more cautious and less likely to bite.

Can heavy rain wash away fish eggs?

Yes, heavy rain and the resulting strong currents can disturb fish nests and wash away eggs, particularly in species that spawn in shallow waters. This can impact fish populations if it happens frequently or during peak spawning seasons.