Tips for Crappie Fishing in the Rain

Fishing for crappie or any other fish in the rain is not a lot of fun, but rainy days can be quite productive. While it can be miserable for humans to get rained on, the rain affects fish differently. First, the cloud cover provides a change in the amount of sunlight that falls onto the water meaning that fish might move and feed at different times due to changes in light and warmth. The falling rain churns the surface of the water so that crappie cannot see out of the water as well (so they are less likely to be spooked by an angler). Rain also increases food supply in the water as insects, grubs, and other food on the crappie menu get knocked off of tree limbs, washed off of banks, and carried by the rising current of tributaries. Here are some tips to help take advantage of the changes that rain presents when crappie fishing.

A light rain is often a great thing for fisherman. As mentioned earlier, rain will bring food into the water. Look for crappie to be in shallow areas and near overhanging trees and tributaries. Try to fish a natural color and adjust as the water becomes cloudy. Muddy water coming into the main body should be a good location for crappie. A fisherman should target the area where the muddy water meets the clear. Casting live bait into the tributary areas might well pay off greatly as well. Another great thing about fishing in the rain is that there will probably be less competition from other fishermen meaning that you can have your pick of locations to fish.

Before heading out to fish on a rainy day, check the forecast and use common sense regarding lightning. While fish generally bite well proceeding a heavy storm, even the delicious crappie is not worth dying. A heavy rain that clouds the water, significantly cools it, or raises the level or current will probably put the brakes on fishing for crappie and other fish for a few days. My advice for a heavy rain would be to get on the water before it starts and stay until the bite stops. If you can't get on the water until the heavy rain has started stay home and organize your tackle box and sharpen hooks.

Crappie fishing in the rain might not be a comfortable endeavor, but it can be a productive time on the water. Keep a rain suit or poncho with your fishing gear or on the boat and give it a try!