Northwest Fishing Reports

So in WA state we've had a few days of steady rain and cooler weather, about 15 degrees cooler then what it had been earlier.

Just wondering what effect this weather might have on the fish, and also, what is the immediate effect of rain and cloudy weather on fish?

Like does it drive them shallow, off cover, too cover, etc. I'm planning on fishing tomorrow.

Thanks.
B

By tomorrow you will be dealing with post frontal conditions - that will be a bigger issue than any temperature change orthe rain.

I really like fishing in front of or during storms; especially during this time of year. With the change the fish seem to go one the prowl and are more aggressive. Many of largest fish have been taken during the front edge of a storm.

During the post-frontal conditions the fish tend to become more inactive with the fish "hunkering down". Tend to have the best success with a slower presentations and often smaller is better. The fish seem unwilling to move far for a bait so percision casting becomes name of the game. For largemouth they tend to either back deeper into their cover (true whether that cover is docks, brush or weed beds). The smallies seem to be a little less affected by the post-frontal conditions but they too will hold a little tigher and aren't as aggressive. Key spots will up against any structure, deeper inside turns of points, etc. A often over looked behavior is their tendency to move off the feeding shelves - if under "normal" conditions they had been feeding on those 15 to 20 foot flats they often will move off the points and suspend over deeper water. Even though the water may be 40 to more than 100 feet deep they typically suspend at about the same depth they were at when actively feeding.

Tight lines
Curt

Awesome post Smalma. I really want to catch a fish on a jig so I will work it slow tight to cover, thanks.b

There is nothing more to say after Smala post. Great info!!!!!

Great information and awesome post Smalma .... adds another page to my journal of notes.

Good reply Smalma,..here's a bit more,..Baitfish move shallow during Cold-Fronts sometimes the Bass will follow,..when the Front passes use smaller jigs or worms and pitch into brush or timber close 2 the base of fallen/dead trees as possible,..slow down cause the fish are probly in tight against the structure,..ledges and points are also a good area 2 fish,..work them tight and remember S-L-O-W 2 the cover,..cold water slows the metablolism and causes less activity in feeding,..most Bass will strike out of anger than from hunger when it's a bit colder,..so piss them off a bit and present your bait right in front of them and on top of thier heads,..S-L-O-W-D-O-W-N!

BB

the rain only effect hold long i can be out on the water before my boats sinks!!!

You're a nut Pinoy!,..LOL!

BB

Same conditions in Yakima, lil bit colder with heavy cloud cover. What would be best lures to throw? Didnt notice this thread before I started new topic, will delete it.

The Bass is built 2 probe and forage around docks, logs, fallen trees, rocks and any other structure that would provide ambush and cooling shelter. Keep in mind that although you may find structure which at the moment is not holding Bass you will rarely ever find Bass without structure,..even if it's in deep water,..there will almost always be some kind of structure for their needs. Bass are cold blooded and as the water chills {as when a cold front presents itself for a few days at a time} their metabolism starts 2 slow,..just the opposite is observed when the action picks up after a warm front moves in. The Eastside waters should be fished the same as the waters on the Westside,..fish all the structure possible,..slow your role and use what is appropriate,..I'd start out with top water early and work my way down the water column ending maybe with a T-Rig Creature/Worm or D-Shot Senko. Even though this little cold front has been here for a few days now you can get the Bass 2 hit your bait. Bass feed normally at dawn and dusk but dont need 2 be "feeding" for you 2 get a strike. Curiousity, reaction, presumed predators near a spawning bed or just plain anger will produce a strike. Remeber this bro "Never leave fish in order 2 find more fish",..in other words fish a spot until it dosen't produce then move on. I'll be on the Eastside myself with bassfanatic and Magnificent1,..headed 2 Potholes so I will be following my own advice,..LOL,..have fun bro!

BB

caught a 5.5lber off a buzzbait today and had a ton of 1lbers and a couple 2 lbers chasing and hitting hard. They were all caught on casts right past and ontop of cover.

It is interesting on how many different variables can affect the bite. Along with the luck there is a bit of science wrapped into the sport I am finding. It is no longer like when I was a kid and we threw a hook out with some corn and brought in a carp. Not saying those weren’t fun time but Bass fishing to me is a totally different experience. And just when I read the posts and came up with the fishing wouldn’t be necessarily the best after the storm and the cool down, RB changes it all. That is what is so great that things can be so predictable and non-predictable at the same time.

BB you heading to Potholes today or tomorrow? Wanted to go but money is tight.

Yeah we're heading out tomorrow @ 4AM,..bassfanatic, Magnificent1 and myself with all the wives,..no kids this time,..we should get there no later than 10 AM,..I'll be bringing up the rear cause i'll be towing my boat,..man I thought for sure that you'd be there,..is there any chance at all you can make it? LOL,..if $$ is an issue as far as food and what not,..we got you covered,..you're more than welcome 2 hang with us,..just bring a tent!,..LMK

BB