How fish are lured by the weather
MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - There has been a lot of bait and switch when it comes to the weather this spring. We roasted in the 90s for a day and then we cooled down with clouds and rain. As we approach the 2016 fishing opener this weekend, we find ourselves lured in by the forecast. It’s not just us humans that are interested in the weather, but the fish are as well. It looks like this angling season will start off with a bit of a chill and depending on your location, a variety of weather conditions.
THE PRESSURE IS ON
When it comes to going after the big one, the pressure can have quite the bite. Whether the pressure is high or low, or pretty steady, it will affect how fish react and therefore affect how they bite.
RISING PRESSURE
Once a front passes the pressure usually builds. Although this may do wonders for clearing the sky, it doesn’t do much for your chances of landing the big one. Fish tend to go deep and stay tight lipped as a result of a major frontal passage.
FALLING PRESSURE
Staying ahead of the storm can result in a better haul out on the lake. Fish tend to go into a feeding frenzy that seems to coincide with falling barometers. More activity and more fish heading to the surface often lead to better chances of getting a strike on the end of the line.
STEADY PRESSURE
Stable weather may take a few days to settle in but once it does it can lead to fish becoming more comfortable with their environment. This comfort zone leads to more steady feeding which can lead to steady bites on the end of a fishing line.
WINDY WEATHER
The wind can be two sided when it comes to fishing. Its never comfortable battle breezes out on the lake. The wind can chase the food and smaller prey to one end of the lake resulting in more feeding activity downwind. However, some fish swim up into the wind hoping to catch some of the smaller prey as they swim by. Bass are among the fish that like to head into the wind and catch a passing snack while other species of fish will hand out downwind and check out the menu.
No matter what the weather, a bad day of fishing most likely beats a good day at work. This year, it looks like the big chill will be the biggest weather obstacle as we head out for another season of fishing in Minnesota.