3 Pro Tips for Bass Fishing in the Rain

Rain breaks up the river or lake's surface. This creates a current and rushes nutrients into a body of water. These are all things that can turn the bite on in a big way!

By no means should you ever go fishing around lightning. Remember you're holding one giant lightning rod! But if the rainy weather is free of thunder and lightning, don't call off your fishing trip just because of some rain! You're more likely to have more of the lake or river you're fishing all to yourself and if you use these tips you might just reel in that toad that's been teasing you all year. 

Here are 3 tips for fishing in the rain.

1. Try Topwater Baits and Lures

Because the surface is broken up by the raindrops, and the clouds are obscuring the sun – rainy days are some of the best times to fish topwater baits because the fish are all headed up to the surface to see what the rain is bringing. Fish are more willing to roam and actively pursue bait – which makes them much more likely to demolish a topwater as it skitters across the surface. On the Snake River, anglers can have epic days bass fishing. You might not realize just how big bass fishing is in Idaho. Check out this article that shows some of the best bass catches in Idaho. When fishing in the rain, focus on classic schooling areas like points, ditches, ledges, or current seams, but keep a topwater on your deck all day – you never know when a group will come up schooling.

2. Fish Faster

The fish are always more aggressive during the rain, so you won't need to work as hard to make them bite. Bass are more likely to roam when it’s raining than when it’s sunny. For that reason, the bass that were once locked on that little sweet spot are now likely spread out over a much bigger area. To connect, speed up whatever technique you are using to fish so you can cover more water throughout the day. If you’re fishing in the rain and throwing a spinnerbait start burning it. 

You want them to react to a bait rapidly getting away. The most-productive lure for getting that reaction strike is a spinnerbait burned just under the surface so it bulges the water. The bulge imitates a fleeing baitfish and helps bass target the bait. 

If you are fishing in the rain and throwing a worm – don’t soak it as long. Keep the fish chasing your bait. 

3. Look For Drains

Surface runoff brings nutrients into the water, which attracts baitfish, and in turn – bass. Focus on any places you find where runoff is coming into the lake, particularly if it’s still reasonably clean. Bass will move quite a distance to line up and feed on bait along mud lines, culvert pipes, and creek inlets. Focusing on these areas when fishing in the rain can be extremely effective when it really starts coming down.

There you have it. 3 professional tips for bass fishing in the rain. Don't let this cloudy weather ruin your weekend plans. Use it to your advantage and get out there and FISH ON!