How does weather affect the bite?

[Mnfisher]

I thought this might be a good topic for a discussion. Does barometric pressure affect how fish bite? Storms? Is the bite better before or after? Why did I NOT catch fish last night after the weather change vs catching Saturday when the weather was pleasant and steady? Thanks!

[rap]

the worst thing you can see the night before you go fishing is that big blue line(cold front) heading your way on the weather map...

[Guest]

I have always found that fishing before a big storm hightens the fishs activity. After the storm they get spooked and turn off for a couple days. Look to deeper water adjacent to where the fish were before the storm. I have also gone shallower to find crappies that hide in the protected bays after a storm hits. It all depends on the type of storm and the structure of the lake.

Barometric pressure can sometimes aid in fishing success. I have caught fish when the barometric pressure was both high and low so I'm a skeptic to as how much it effects fishing.

Good Fishing, Matt.

[Guest]

Not to use big words here, but the larger the gravataional pull (or mass) the larger the affect on the fish, or the body of water.

Ocean = High Tides/Low Tides

Big Fish = Big affect

[rap]

i think perch are affected the most by cold fronts, especially in winter, it seems they are the ones that always shut off more than anything else

[This message has been edited by rap (edited 01-30-2002).]

[Guest]

rap, I agree, especially larger perch. They seem to get spooked very easy and almost go into a sleeping stage. Post cold front fishing can really be tough sometimes.
Good Fishing, Matt.

[Guest]

I just happened to hear a rumor about this subject. i heard that when low pressure comes about, that fish can sense the low pressure causing them to feed and just the oposite in high pressure weather

[RipJigger]

I wonder if the weather has a different effect in the open water vs ice covered

[rap]

i definitely think weather makes alot more difference during the ice fishing season...
in my experience anyway, i don't know why tho...

[Mankato-Ice-Man]

How about wind direction.
I have been told this all my life, so its probably just one of those Nostradomis things, but I here , " Wind from the west, fishing the best, wind from the east, fish bite the least."
Is the wind direction possible related to front movements or one of the other things previously talked about?
I do notice it, even in winter, so thats why I said its probably just in my head, but wanted to toss it out here....

[GullGuide]

It all depends on who you talk to, but I personally think it is just an old wives tale. I guess it is relating to a passing front, but as we all know, fronts and their resulting winds can come from any direction.
The thing that is most important to me as far as wind is concerned, is how it is blowing into the structure I want to fish. If the wind has been blowing into a shoreline or a piece of off-shore structure for a couple of days, this is prime to be fishing those spots. As far as ice fishing is concerned, havnt noticed much.

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[Guest]

"Wind from the West, fish bite best, wind from the East, fish bite least"... only matters in the summer!
BUT
"When the lakes are good and frozen, Fish can't see trees Blowin."

"There's no such thing as the great indoors!"

[Mnfisher]

Thanks for all the good replies. I've run into "good bites" in the summer just before a storm, but generally I think that a period of stable weather is usually the best. In the summer, I think a storm stirs up the lake giving fish more to eat. Must be the barometer in the winter though. The wind can't stir up the water in the winter!

[Kingfisher]

My experience of over 60 years of ice and open water fishing seem to me to be opposites. Winter fishing for me has constantly been best with blustery weather (probably because of changing barometric pressure, especially north west wind). Summer walleye fishing, steady weather has been the best, although to be on the lake as the cold front approaches has been excellent also.

[Guest]

Frankly, if we could do all of our fishing on the front end of fronts, we'd never say "they weren't biting." However, most of us fish when we can, rather than when it might be "best."

Incidentally, some scientists are giving the pressure theories some second thoughts. For example, fish witness far greater pressure changes by simply moving up or down in the water column -- yet, they seem not to hesitate to do so. As a matter of fact, I have graphed trout and salmon on Lake Michigan that came up some 15 to 20 feet to hit a trolled lure. And, I've graphed them going down similar distances. Pressure may not be so big a deal in the water world of fish. My ears feel it, however, when I dive into a pool.

[Havin' Fun]

Weather effects fish much like it effects humans. Think about what humans are like during a cold spell, also means very high pressure. They are mellow, quiet, and generally much less active. Decrease the pressure and human activity and excitement greatly increase, especially just before a storm. Just look at a kid sometime!!! Pressure increases cause an increase of pressure on your bodies organs and thus increases stress. Our bodies pressure on the inside tries to get into equillibrium with the pressure out. When it changes rapidly, you will squish. Just ask a diver...The Bends. Doesn't make one interested in moving or eating. Same on fish. They have to adjust even more since they live under even greater pressures being underwater, both the water column and the air pressure. Pressure is usually the lowest it will ever be right before a passage of a front. After such passage, wind will change(result of pressure systems.) Thus increasing pressure will result in a squishing of organs and a negative effect on the fish.

Probably more than you wanted, but if you want more, just ask.