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Fishing for bass after a rain storm can be both good and bad. There are various factors that can come into play, depending on the type of conditions you have when it rains, which can affect how successful your fishing trip might be.
To give you some idea of how rain might affect bass fishing, we’ve put together a short guide along with some tips on how to make the most of it.
The Benefits Of Fishing After A Rain Storm
Oxygenated Water
A rain storm can boost the oxygen levels in a lake or other body of water because of the force at which it lands. This can mean it increases the metabolism of bass and can lead to them becoming more active and consequently looking for food.
The increase in the volume of water entering a lake through streams or rivers, for example, can also improve the oxygen levels in the lake.
Water Run Off
When there is heavy rain or prolonged rain this can lead to water running from the land into the lake. Food is generally washed along with the runoff water, ending up in the lake or other body of water.
The areas where the runoff enters the main body of water can attract bass as this is often where they will congregate to feed, which is often closer to the edges of the lake. Baitfish are often attracted to food brought into the lake by the runoff, which in turn attracts bass.
The amount of runoff entering a body of water will usually depend on the amount of rain that has fallen but this can create current, which can further oxygenate the water. Not only that, it can cause a change in the water temperature, which can either increase or decrease bass activity depending on whether it is warm runoff or cold.
Warm water running into a lake can increase activity levels in bass and can make them move towards these runoff areas. On the other hand, if the runoff water is cold, it can have the opposite effect.
Video: Bass Fishing After a Heavy Rain
Try These Tips
Try Fishing Near The Creeks
After a heavy rain storm there may be more water flowing into your lake or pond from the creeks. This can be a good spot to target, as bass may move towards these areas to feed on baitfish and to be closer to more oxygenated water.
Look Shallow In A Rising Lake
If the water levels have risen in your local pond or lake, you might find bass at a shallower depth. This could be closer to the banks or around flats. If the sun has come out following a period of heavy rain and dull weather, bass may be more likely to be found in cover, such as brush piles and vegetation, so these areas can be good spots to look for bass.
Look For Muddy Water
Sometimes when there has been a significant amount of rainfall, it can cause mud and debris to wash into a lake with the runoff from the land. This can cause the water in the lake to become muddy. While muddy water may not be preferable for bass, this can be where there is extra food to be found.
Bugs and other food sources can be washed in with the mud and rain, attracting feeding baitfish to the muddy water. Where the muddy water meets the clear water can be a good place to find bass, as this is often where they can be found feeding.
Try Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits can be ideal for fishing after a rain storm, especially if you’re targeting bass in muddy water. Spinnerbaits can create flash and vibration that can attract bass in low visibility and lure them to strike. These could be ideal lures for fishing where the runoff is entering the lake, close to the banks.
Topwater Lures For Warm Weather
When the conditions are warm or the rainwater is warm, topwater lures can be a good choice, as the rainwater can bring bass closer to the surface to feed. These lures can be used around vegetation, close to the banks and in areas where the water is running off the land into the lake.
What Are The Downsides?
Water Temperature
Rainwater can have an effect on the water temperature in a particular body of water. While this can sometimes be a positive thing when it comes to fishing, it can also be a disadvantage if the rainwater and runoff is cold.
Bass tend to prefer warm water, so if the water that is entering the lake is cold, they will often shy away from it in search of warmer water. The cold temperatures may also mean that bass will become less active, which could mean they are less likely to bite, so you may need to slow down your presentation.
Winter rains could cause lake temperatures to drop because the runoff from the icy land could be colder than the generally temperature of the lake. Runoff from snow melt could also reduce the water temperature and cause bass to seek warmer, deeper water.
Falling Water Level
If you happen to fish in a reservoir where the levels of water are determined by a dam then heavy rain could mean the water levels drop if the dam has been opened. In this case, you may find that the bass may be more difficult to catch, as they may have moved away from the shallows in search of deeper water where the water level may be more consistent.
Flooding
After periods of heavy and prolonged rain, there may be added hazards in the water, depending on where you fish. Logs and other debris can be washed into lakes and rivers, which can potentially cause damage if you’re kayaking or boating.
Currents can also be affected by heavy rain, often becoming stronger and faster, which could affect your safety if you’re wading at the edge of a river or heading out on a boat.
In Conclusion
Bass fishing after a heavy rain storm can be great if the conditions are in your favor. During the spring, summer and fall, the rains can be lead to warm water entering the main body of water, which can increase bass activity and make fishing a little easier.
Remember to think about the water temperature and target areas where water is running off the land. The areas where muddy water meets clear water can also be worth a shot.
Leave us a comment to let us know how get on fishing after the rain and remember to share this with your fishing buddies.