Barometric Pressure: What does it mean for you and your fishing?

[Craigums]

What does the pressure mean to you and your fishing. What patterns seem to have a positive or negative impact on fish activity.

For Instance weather.com states that the pressure right now is 30.45+ with an arrow pointing upwards. What does this mean to me, and how can I use this tool to increase my fishing success?

[DTro]

Stay Home

Just kidding

Falling pressure is usually a better sign of fish activity going up. It's not fail safe, but if it's falling, I feel better about my chances.

However if you limit your fishing to only certain weather conditions or patterns, you will be missing out on a lot of good fishing and or a learning experience.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Its actually quite complex, but its all connected to the circle of life... Starting at the very bottom of the food chain. If pressure is high, and rising. The small little zoo plankton and such are not as buoyant, and thus not as active. When pressure is low, and falling, those small creatures are more buoyant and active, which starts the chain. Minnows feed on the small things, game fish feed on them...

Generally when pressure is low and or falling, fish are more active, you use larger more active lures. When pressure is high and or rising, the need to downsize, and use more subtle movements is needed... .But then again, I have had great days fishing on high pressure.

[looneyducer]

If I were going out today, after walleyes and with the high and rising pressure, I would downsize, go a little deeper, go to a jig with less glow/more natural color/vertical presentation/gold instead of silver, not jig quite as much , and take the time to set up an extremely loose dragged deadstick or neutrally bouyant slipbobber outfit in a hole next to my jigging hole at every location I checked. Slow and steady.

Of course, if nothing panned out after half a dozen locations I'd tie on something flashy and as big as a chicken, hook three full minnows on it and head shallow as hell, but that's me.

[Boar]

When it comes to fishing most of us go when we plan an cant deviate from that plan, so when I plan on going ice fishing I go no matter what the weather unless of course real bad weather. On my way I pay real close attention to wildlife movements, Deer especially. I have noticed over time that if I notice alot of deer movement I generally have pretty good luck fishing if i see no deer then fishing usually ends up being pretty slow. So I can actually plan a strategy soon as i pop my first hole. Barometric pressure affects all forms of life to some extent more in some than others. Of course Ive had those days when I havent seen a deer or magpie an have had excellent fishing so it's not an exact science but it is interesting to observe nature an how it's effected by barometric pressure. Boar

[Craigums]

Quote:

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if nothing panned out after half a dozen locations I'd tie on something flashy and as big as a chicken, hook three full minnows on it and head shallow as hell, but that's me.

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Absolutely hilarious...

Great info guys! What is the range for pressure generally, would 30 be concidered high, and what would be considered low

[fiskyknut]

Ya man a sky high barometer makes the bite a bit tougher more often than not. I had plans to fish today but after watching the weather yesterday and knowing this high system was rolling in I said to heck with it! So Thursday it is, and the barometer should be on a slow fall by then making for a more confidence inspiring weather pattern anyhows!

fiskyknut

[LMITOUT]

29.50 to 30.50 is a general range from low to high, but it can be higher or lower at times too. Your location (elevation) will also have a bearing on the pressure.

Fisky - you're correct. On Sunday night the pressure was falling and it clouded up in the afternoon and there was a lot more activity on the locater that evening. Last night after the pressure was on the rise the screen was blank. Had one come in this morning about 6am though that I missed on the rattle reel.

[otis]

Falling is best, and better yet right as it bottoms out. Usually in the summer that means a big storm and I am sure everyone has had great success right before a big storm. I think the rule of thumb is a change right after a stable pattern. Even if it starts to rise it can be good if the pressure has been low for a bit. Fishing usually slows shortly after the peak or valley. As with anything such as moon phase and all that it can be hit or miss. Your best bet always is to follow the infish success formula. Location and pattern will trump weather and moon anytime.