Don’t let the rain stop you from heading out on the boat or casting a line from the shore when rain is in the forecast. I have found great success fishing during rainstorms in both saltwater and freshwater. Although dealing with wet conditions can be a nuisance, the aggravation of needing to wear foul weather gear can be worth the hassle. Here are the top 5 tips for fishing in the rain. 

Look For Outflows

I’ll start with the best tip, and that is focusing your attention on outflows. Outflows are areas where water is flowing either from a pipe or naturally from the shoreline. The flow is intensified because of the accumulation of rainwater. 

The outflow draws fish into the vicinity because it is a natural food source. 

Outflows Are A Source Of Food For Fish

The rush of water from the shore pushes food into the water, creating a feeding frenzy for fish. I have personally seen this on numerous occasions. 

My friend and I would focus on a specific fishing location after heavy rainfall because a waterfall formed from the land over a concrete wall and into the water below. Bait was being pushed into the water, and the gamefish were stacked at the bottom of the waterflow. The action was nonstop when the waterfall was present. 

Importantly, a waterfall is not required. A drain pipe is equally as effective. Anytime you see water flowing into a main body of water due to rain, it’s worth casting on. 

Cast Your Line Close To Outflows

I can tell you from personal experience the closer you can get your bait or lure to the outflow, the more likely you are to catch fish. 

Don’t keep the bait or lure off in the distance. The fish are lurking where the outflow meets the water. The natural baits being washed into the water are most concentrated in that area. 

Swap Lures And Baits

I’ll admit I have had to change plans to get fish to bite when focusing on outflows. 

The key is to match the food source made available to the fish due to rainwashing bait into the water. 

Don’t give up on a spot after a couple of casts. Instead, switch the bait or lure until all resources have been dried up. 

Use Brighter Colored Fishing Lures

Unfortunately, when the rain pours down, the water becomes clouded from runoff and most often, mud. 

Muddy water presents a challenge for fish to spot lures moving through the water. For this reason, it is essential to use brightly colored fishing lures. 

Rather than using green, brown, black, or red coloration patterns, I recommend silver, white, orange, yellow, and pink. 

Without question, changing brightly colored lures from dark colored lures will draw more strikes. Live baiting is not impacted as significantly because the feeding fish use scent in combination with detecting vibration in the water. 

Fish On The Windiest Part Of The Shore

I’ll start off with the fact that fishing in wind driven rain is not comfortable, but it is effective. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or on land, position yourself on the bank in which the wind is blowing. 

The wind, which often escalates in rain storms, pushes bait from the leeward side of the body of water to the windward side. 

Gamefish follow the bait so they can continue to remain on the feed. With the baitfish pushed to the windy side of the lake, this is the best location to fish during rain storms. Wear foul weather gear to remain dry in heavy rains and wind. 

Spend Most Of Your Time Fishing Before The Storm

When a storm is approaching, the barometric pressure falls. Falling pressure pushes gamefish into shallow water, where they search for food. 

Often, anglers fish hours before hurricanes make landfall because the bite is strong. My friend received a ticket while fishing because he violated a mandatory curfew. However, he had non stop fishing action from when he first cast to receiving the ticket. 

Look, I am not suggesting fishing as a hurricane approaches, but I recommend fishing before the rainstorm hits. Once the weather is over your head, you’re on the verge of shifting from the lowest pressure levels to high pressure. 

Planning is an important factor in catching more fish. Monitor the forecast to determine when you should head out on the water. 

Don’t Fish When Lightning Is In The Forecast

Obviously, you don’t want to head out fishing when lightning is expected. The combination of an electrical storm and water and an electrical storm and graphite rods don’t mix. 

Taking the chance of being struck by lightning will ruin any other chance of getting back out on the water in the future. 

When lightning is forecasted, stay home and pick another day. It won’t be long before you can get back out fishing 

Take The Opportunity To Go Fishing In The Rain 

I prefer a bright sunny day to go fishing; however, if the weather calls for rain, it won’t hold me back. Use the rain to your advantage if the weather isn’t cooperating. Some adjustments are necessary to catch fish. With that said, you are more likely to find them congregated in shallow areas near discharge pipes or natural drainage areas flowing into the body of water.