Fish Just After a Rainstorm

Fish Just After a Rainstorm

Fishing after a rainstorm can be surprisingly productive — here's why:

1. Increased Oxygen Levels

Rain stirs up the water and boosts oxygen content, especially near the surface. Fish become more active and may feed more aggressively.

2. Washed-In Food Sources

Rain runoff carries insects, worms, and other food into lakes, ponds, and rivers. Fish often gather near inlets or where water flows into the body — prime spots to cast.

3. Cloudy Water = Lower Visibility

The stirred-up water reduces visibility, which gives predatory fish an advantage. It also makes them less cautious, increasing your odds of a strike.

4. Temperature Shift Stimulates Activity

In hot weather, a rainstorm can cool surface water just enough to attract fish back to shallower areas where they're easier to target.

5. Less Competition

Fewer anglers hit the water in less-than-perfect weather, so post-rain fishing often means more space — and less pressured fish.

Pro Tip: Use darker or more vibrant lures to help fish see your bait in murkier post-storm water.