What are your thoughts/experiences of fishing before, during, and after rain?

 

I remember one time my son and I were fishing and a storm was coming in.

 

The bluegills starting hitting like crazy. It was years ago but it was a great memory with him.

 

It seems like many wildlife get a little frisky before a storm comes in.

 

Can’t say I’ve ever fished during a decent rain however.

 

Not sure if I’ve really fished afterwards either.

 

I do remember reading a book decades ago and the author mentioned the fish might be a little “scared” after a major thunderstorm.

 

What are your thoughts and experiences?

 

THANKS!

I've fished before, during and after a rainstorm. Unless there was lightning in the area. No fish is worth your life. My experience tells me that bass activity picks up before and during a rain shower and drops off after the rain has passed. 

At times, catfish will go crazy after a rain, feeding on worms, bugs and other critters that get washed into the water.

There are no hard and fast rules though, ya just have to get out there and give it a try.

 

 

But not if there's lightning around. If you hear thunder, get indoors.

 

Right now.

 

Tom

 

Quite often my best outing(s) of the entire season occur in the summer months right before and/or during a rainy period.  When we get a bunch of days where it's warm and sunny, and then a low pressure system arrives, the time period immediately prior often elicits a very aggressive bite.  Afterwards there is often a period of inactivity.

 

Safety, however, is of great importance here.  Rain is fine, but severe weather isn't worth risking a fish for.  Fishing in gusty winds, lightning/thunder, and hail isn't safe.

 

Last season, my biggest largemouth came during a rainy day in May, and then an even bigger one in early October immediately prior to a rapid weather change.

 

 

Greetings All,

 

Yes, strongly concur with @tholmes on safety as a priority! Not worth the risk when there is lightning in the area. There will be other opportunities to catch fish.

 

Personally, I’ve had some great times before, during (when safe), and after. Here in Southern AZ we have a monsoon rain season. During those early first rains, many of the drone ants are able to take flight as the moisture allows their wings to unfurl. The sky is full of them and many hit the water surface making for some happy fish! If you have seen trout rise to insect hatches, this is similar only with the warm water species chowing down. The bass, bluegills, shell crackers, the hybrid green sunfish all get in on the action. 

 

You can too if you’re prepared with a handy small bait tossed into all the mayhem. It can be a good time. Just be sure to enjoy safely! Be well, Cheers!

What rain does is bring clouds, always good.

Heavy thunderstorms, best to go before.

What I've found after a really heavy thunderstorm with lightning is complete lock-jaw.

 

 

I have found that especially immediately after a heavy rain with high winds the fishing can be absolutely amazing. But the window does not last long...maybe 1-2 hours, and after that the fish get lockjaw for a day or two. Your results may vary.

thunder---no         rain---- yes, they make rain gear for a reason.

Rain is my favorite time to fish. It makes me even sneakier. 

Well it has rained almost everyday here in Missouri So been doing really good before because it seems like every rain blows everything out for a few days. Crazy year .

I hate fishing in the rain. I hate being wet. I hate all my equipment getting wet. Can’t say it’s better. I do like fishing a few days after. Depending on how the water level is going to be.

When I'm on a lake I'll find an empty dock to wait out the rain and fish after it subsides or quits.  Can be good then.

Some of my best bass and saltwater trips over the last 20 years have been before a storm and during the rain. 

I love fishing in the rain. Been out many times during a downpour and the bite will be on fire.

All I can say, is if  fish before the rain, I don't get wet, and after the rain, again I stay dry, but if I fish in the rain, I get wet.  I prefer to be dry.

I've not had great luck the few times I fished during a downpour. I have had pretty good success though fishing during light rain showers. Rain stirs the water up, gets the baitfish to moving.

Before rain and during is normally some great fishing. It’s not guaranteed but but the odds always seem to be in my favor. As for thunder storms I don’t care if there’s DD bass everywhere I’m headed for cover. 

 

 

 

The best is before a rain event.  If it’s a light rain it might be good during and after a light rain.  If it’s a heavy rain it’s time to go home and have a cold one for a few days.
 

if there is lightning I’m out of there as soon as possible!  Not worth the risk!

On 7/5/2025 at 8:21 PM, Bird said:

What I've found after a really heavy thunderstorm with lightning is complete lock-jaw.

Ironically, I had one of my best outings this year right after a hot and heavy thunderstorm rolled through.

 

In my experience:

- before rain = great. 

- during rain = not good.

- after rain = good. 

Fishing before a storm is great! During rain is ok too, but NOTduring lightning. We were fishing with a guide while it was raining all day.  When it started lightning we said “we’re going in”, paid him his fee plus a good tip & left.

Never done too good during the rain, right afterward tossing a koshinmushi or other small topwater is an absolute blast.