Photo by Patrick Ray
This week in the Kern River Valley, we experienced lovely weather, leading to big bites on the water. The Upper Kern River’s trout bite is on fire right now, with more inclement weather continuing to roll in. The worse the weather, the better the trout bite.
Trout are smart predators, and they know that changing weather will benefit them. Typically, bites become more aggressive as the barometric pressure changes before a storm rolls in. Winds before the storm can cause massive feeding frenzies and provide excellent fishing opportunities as the storm approaches.
Timing is essential because you want to get out before heavy rain and wind begin; dropping barometric pressure is when you want to get out. You want to use the weather and environment to your advantage, so pay attention to weather and insect activity.
One of the big reasons for trout’s storm excitement is more food. Bugs and bad weather do not mix, so they get knocked out of trees, blown down into the water, floating into a trout’s starved mouth. While wind and trees are angler’s enemies, they offer good fishing and can create feeding frenzies, with trout striking on the top water.
Fishing along shorelines can be another great idea. When the rain comes, it washes everything into the water. Slightly murky water makes it hard for prey to see predators; trout know how to hunt in turbid water and use it to their advantage.
Topwater feeding frenzies are visible and can offer the chance to get out some dry flies or surface baits. In a frenzy, trout will hit just about anything because they are trying to fill up before the storm, and they return to deeper water, where it’s calmer.
Trout are just some of the fish that enjoy lousy weather; bass are known to hunt the shorelines during storms for prey. When the barometric pressure is low, bass are put in the feed bag and into a feeding frenzy.
Anglers need to entice them to bite, and they will hit anything that looks like prey if you put it in front of them. With the murky water, bass have a more challenging time seeing threats and are likelier to hit that lure you plopped in front of them.
I like to use a spinner bait for bass in bad weather because it mimics bait fish. During storms, you will tend to see plankton being pushed to the shore, with bait fish following the plankton. Bass will come shallow to hunt baitfish. The spinnerbait vibrates and flashes, which should catch the attention of the bass. The spinnerbait’s optimal casting conditions are muddy water with a gusty wind blowing into it.
Now, it is good to note that not all bad weather brings good fishing. When the water temperature drops too low, fish slow down, and cold weather or heavy rain will kill the bite. Pay attention to the weather and watch the conditions. You are the best judge to know if you want to get out and fish. But don’t let a little rain stop you from getting out. The best time to go fishing is when you can.
Remember, my friends, tight lines and leave no trace.
