Im headed up to the BWCA in about a week and its supposed to ain every day im there...im wondering, how much does rain really affect the fishing? Does it affect it so bad, that fish may not be caught?

Any thoughts would be considered..

Thank you

Unless its a total downpour, I try to get out on the water when its raining especially on clear water lakes, fish will come up shallow and are alot less wary, its a good time to fish. p.s. If they're predicting rain a week out, you better make sure you bring your sunscreen.

Basspro is right on the mark.
50% chance of rain means a 50% of no rain. It's just a guess past 2-3 days.
Also-- ever notice this in forecasts--
"60% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Some of the rainfall may be heavy. Rainfall accumulations between .50 and .75 of an inch likely."
ok great--- but isn't any rainfall accumulation have to mean it's happening (100%)

same thing in winter--
"70% chance of light snow after 1am. Snowfall accumulations of 2-4".
Okay--- any snowfall accumulation (even a trace) has to be 100%??

The real reason they do it that way?
CYA!!

Thanks!

Hahaha Thanks

My experience is this:

1) normal (non-violent) rain has little effect - good or bad.
2) thunder and/or lightening will usually shut down the show - fast. You should always be very cautious about lightning on water.
3) wind direction is most important. Wind/fronts with east and/or north wind diminishes fishing greatly. West/south winds have little negative to very beneficial effects on fishing. Falling barometers are "golden."
4) always fish windy shores - regardless of wind direction. It is more difficult to handle the canoe, but quality fishing is always better on windy shores.

That said, I have caught as many fish in bright, blue bird, hot days at high noon as in any gentle rain. Most important, just keep fishing - as long as it's safe!

Good paddling,

Old Hoosier

Thanks it helps!

quote WhiteWolf: "Basspro is right on the mark.
50% chance of rain means a 50% of no rain. It's just a guess past 2-3 days.
Also-- ever notice this in forecasts--
"60% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Some of the rainfall may be heavy. Rainfall accumulations between .50 and .75 of an inch likely."
ok great--- but isn't any rainfall accumulation have to mean it's happening (100%)


same thing in winter--
"70% chance of light snow after 1am. Snowfall accumulations of 2-4".
Okay--- any snowfall accumulation (even a trace) has to be 100%??


The real reason they do it that way?
CYA!!
"

The percentage has to do with the probability that your exact location will have precipitation. If they say 60% then you have a 4/10 chance at staying dry. The amounts they are refering to are really a seperate prediction. If you end up getting precipitation at your location (6/10 chance) they are giving you the amount you can likely expect to see.

Its all probablity so its hard to be exact and looking out more than a day or two is just a crap shoot. I wouldn't even start looking at the weather reports until 2 days before you leave. But of course make sure to prepare for all weather conditions.

Yeah thanks. It would be the worst to have everyting wet when your miles from any town.

quote Old Hoosier:
3) wind direction is most important. Wind/fronts with east and/or north wind diminishes fishing greatly. West/south winds have little negative to very beneficial effects on fishing. Falling barometers are "golden."
4) always fish windy shores - regardless of wind direction. It is more difficult to handle the canoe, but quality fishing is always better on windy shores.

Do you know why E/N winds harm fishing quality? How do I "feel" if the barometer is falling--a cold wind coming in?

I've read some other posts about fishing windy shores. Pick out the usual spots (vegetation, trees, etc.) here? If there's a reef/hump below, fish on the side opposite the wind?

Thanks
Matt

I spent a week on Clearwater fishing and it rained every day. I would be catching Smallmouth Bass and the first rain drop hit the water the fishing would stop. After the rain would quit the fish would start bitting again. I think it spooked the fish when they saw or sensed the rain hitting the water.

We had a persistent east wind for all 12 days and rain for 6 of those on our recent June trip . We also had some of the best fishing for numbers and quality of fish.

Dave East winds, rain and good fishing...

double post...sorry;(

Do you know why E/N winds harm fishing quality? How do I "feel" if the barometer is falling--a cold wind coming in?


I've read some other posts about fishing windy shores. Pick out the usual spots (vegetation, trees, etc.) here? If there's a reef/hump below, fish on the side opposite the wind?


Thanks
Matt


"

The pressure drops when new systems are coming in. If you have a nice sunny day and clouds start rolling in the pressure is likely dropping. Storm systems are typically areas of low pressure so as the storm approaches the pressure will drop. This window when the system is approaching and the pressure is dropping is typically your golden opportunity to catch some fish. Although the fishing can stay good for awhile through the low pressure system. Once the pressure starts to rise and the system moves on you'll see the bite drop off usually.

If you have a long stretch of unsettled weather with multiple systems rolling in then fishing can get tough. Personally if I am just looking at catching fish then I want several days of high pressure and then a small low pressure system to come through. After a few days of consistent weather the fish are somewhat predictable so I can pinpoint locations, then the low pressure comes in and they turn on big time and you can make sure you're on the spot when that happens.

I usually fish the windy shorelines but unlike most people I haven't noticed a huge correlation between wind direction and the bite. Some of my best days were during a strong east/north east wind.

During the hot summer months, I think they could stick up a permanent "30% chance of scattered thunderstorms", and wouldn't be far off. It's summer, there's always a chance of scattered thunderstorms. Keep in mind, even if there's a 60% chance of rain, it doesn't say when. I couldn't care less if I get a rain shower at night when I'm in the tent sleeping. You usually need a temp change to wring the water out of the clouds, more often than not, in July and August, that happens after 10 pm, and I'm already in the tent.

You're in the bdub, almost every trip has some rain. I just fish right through it, unless there's lightning. Fish get pretty spooky on those clear shallow lakes with a clear sunny sky. I like a little cloud cover, and some chop. It's my best friend when it comes to fishing mid-day. When the clouds come rolling in, just smile and know the bite is on the way.

Right On! 50SPF

Walleye is the only thing I've ever caught consistent in the wind and rain.