Bass Fishing in the Rain

Bass fishing in the rain may not be an endeavor that is much fun but it can be a productive way to catch largemouth bass. Here are some points to consider when bass fishing in the rain to use to develop your own rainy day bass fishing strategy.

SAFETY

First and foremost when fishing in the rain, and angler needs to assure his or her own safety. Avoid wade fishing in small streams during a heavy rain, especially those with narrow and steep banks, due to possible flash flooding. Stay away from dead trees that are more likely to fall when wet from rainfall and are also pushed by the wind that often accompanies rain. The dangers of hypothermia are increased in the rain as well. Lightning is perhaps the greatest safety risk when fishing in the rain. Be aware of your surroundings and don't take risks.

WIND

Often wind is accompanied by rain. When fishing for bass on rainy days the wind will often make one side of the water better than another. The wind will push small bugs and other food toward one bank increasing the presence of small fish that feed upon them. The bass will also follow to feed upon the small fish. Minnow lures often work great in this scenario.

TRIBUTARIES

As the rain begins, small tributaries will pick up more water which will wash bugs, worms, and other food sources into the main body of water. Just as the wind causes fish to gather to feed, where tributaries meet rivers or lakes will be another great place to bass fish in the rain.

OVERHANGS

Overhanging trees, banks, and other structure will likely see an increase in fish as they are looking for food knocked off of the overhangs into the water. In either tributaries or under overhangs, drifted bait or minnow lures will often result in bites.

WATER CLARITY

Rain acts upon water clarity in a number of different ways. First the rain disrupts the surface of the water making it difficult for fish to see out of the water. This lessens the importance of keeping movements over the water to minimum and might allow a wading angler to move closer to structure. The rain also washes mud and other debris into the water making it harder for fish to see the lures. Adjust the colors of your lures as the water becomes cloudier.

These are just some of the ways that rain impacts bass fishing. Keep these in mind the next time that you are bass fishing in the rain and see if you can make your efforts more productive.