The rain cools the waters and brings with it an assortment of insects and worms that send trout into a feeding frenzy.
The rains begin to cool the water, and then clouds protect the trout from predators above. Trout feel safer during this period of time, and they are less likely to get spooked by your line.
Most trout species go into a feeding frenzy when it rains. The clouds above protect them from flying predators, and the rain washes delicacies into the water. The constantly dripping water increases the oxygen levels making trout more active.
The temperature of the water plays an integral part in when trout feed. Most trout feed when the water is between 34 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. At just above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the rate at which trout feed begins to pick up. Rain is crucial to lowering the temperature of the water to the point where trout are more likely to feed.
Not all trout love feeding in the rain, but the chances of reeling in a prize catch increased dramatically during or after a rain storm. Here is how the strength and temperature of the rain can affect the various trout species.
How Does Weather & Rain Affect Trout Fishing?
Light Rain
Different types of rain produce different results when it comes to trout fishing. Although light rain will generally lower the temperature of the water, the temperature difference is insufficient to cause a feeding frenzy. Trout spook very easily, and even in light rain, a trout has a reason to be worried about potential predators flying above. The best time to fish for trout during a light rain is between the period of time that the rain stops and the sun sets.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rains are a completely different story. When the rains begin to pick up, they wash insects and worms into the water. The extra cloud cover protects the trout from potential predators, which allows them to feed without fear. The best time to fish for trout during heavy rain is a short while after it begins before the water starts to get muddy.
Cold Rain
It’s also important to remember that the colder the rain is, the faster it will cool the water. As the temperatures of the stream or river begin to drop, it triggers a feeding frenzy. While it may not be as enjoyable to go fishing for trout in the cold rain, it is a perfect time.
Is It Best to Fish for Trout Before, During, or After it Rains?
The best time for catching trout is always going to be during or after the rain ends. Before the rain begins, the water is just too warm to cause a feeding frenzy. As the intensity level of the rain begins to kick up, the waters begin to darken, and the amount of oxygen in the water increases. Insects and worms are flushed from the banks into the water, and the dark clouds provide perfect coverage to make the fish feel safe.
Where Do Trout Go When It Rains?
When the rain first begins, the sounds can spook most trout. However, as the rain continues, the skies and the water get darker. Trout tend to become less scared of predators in these conditions and start feeding more. The larger trout, who spend most of their time hiding under logs and in rock crevices, begin to make their way out into the open. It is the best time to catch a trout because the fish feel safe, and the food is plentiful.
Best Bait & Lures for Trout Fishing in The Rain
When it rains, trout become active. They go into a feeding frenzy because they feel safe and because the rains wash insects and worms into the water. So long as the water is still fairly clear, it’s possible to catch them with a wide variety of lures. After the water darkens, it will be harder for the trout to differentiate the lures that are being presented to them. Nevertheless, it’s possible to catch trout with jigs, spoons, spinners, as well as crankbaits during the rain.
Tips for Catching Trout in the Rain
Have Multiple Fishing Rods
When choosing to fish for trout in the rain, taking as many rods as you can carry with you is important. Different states have different regulations with regard to how many rods a single angler can carry with them under a standard license. Always make sure to check with your local Department of Natural Resources to determine how many you can carry.
As a general rule, you should always try to carry at least two poles when fishing in the rain. On one line, you should have a live bait such as a nightcrawler. You can then use the other to cast out your favourite lure and present it to the fish. By fishing with two poles simultaneously, you’re able to cover a larger area of water in a shorter period of time. This equates to an increased chance of getting a strike.
Night Crawler for Trout Fishing in Rain
One of the things trout love about rain is that it washes insects and worms into the water. For a trout, worms and nightcrawlers are a delicacy. Nightcrawlers provide trout with a great meal that is full of vitamins and nutrients. During heavy rains, the trout will go into a feeding frenzy, waiting for the insects and worms to be flushed into the stream from the banks above.
Stay Mobile, Stay Active
Although the rains will send trout into a feeding frenzy, that does not mean that you should stand in one spot and keep casting your line out. You always need to be on the move when fishing. Cast your line out a few times, and if you don’t get any nibbles, then move on to the next spot. You may need to do this 3 or 4 times at different locations until you find a perfect spot. Once you have found a good spot, don’t just keep fishing in the same spot, rather keep moving to different locations until you are able to pick up their pattern.
Gear Up for The Rain
Rain Suit
A good quality rain suit is designed to protect you from the rain while simultaneously being breathable. It should be both waterproof and wind-resistant but should never trap body heat. A suit with an adjustable hood is also perfect for use year-round use.
Waders
A good pair of barefoot waders are perfect for just about any fishing expedition. The waders should be manufactured from 3.5 mm neoprene in order to give you the perfect balance of flexibility, warmth, and mobility. The knees should be reinforced and padded for your safety, and all the seams should be fully stitched and taped.
Hip Waders
Hip waders are also an excellent choice to keep you dry and warm when you are walking through the water. Unlike traditional waders, they only cover your legs up to your hips but, nevertheless, are perfect for fishing in the rain.
Gaiters
Don’t forget to keep your neck and face dry and warm throughout the rain by wearing a waterproof gaiter. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours that are great at protecting you from the elements.
FAQ
Do Stocked Trout Bite in the Rain
Stocked trout are raised on a steady supply of pellet-based food. Because of their diet, it is harder to catch them with traditional lures and baits during their first season of freedom. Because they are not as attracted to insects and worms that are flushed into the stream by the rains, they are less likely to bite in the rain. This is a good thing for the average angler because it allows them to focus on catching wild trout instead.
Do Speckled Trout Bite in the Rain
While most trout go on a feeding frenzy when it rains, speckled trout do not. The rain itself creates vibrations in the water, which makes it very difficult for speckled trout to hunt down their next meal. Speckled trout rely on their lateral lines to help them find their prey, so the best time to catch a speckled trout will be after the rain has ended when they can use their lateral lines properly.
Do Brook Trout Bite in the Rain
Unlike speckled trout, brook trout love striking in the rain. Brook trout are known to go into a frenzy soon after the rains break out. When the rains begin, it’s important to only fish in water where you can still see your bait. While some cloudiness may be beneficial to prevent the trout from being spooked, the water should still be fairly clear. If the rain was too heavy, then you should wait 3 to 4 days to go fishing for brook trout.
Do Brown Trout Bite in the Rain
When the rains begin to fall, brown trout suddenly feel the urge to begin spawning. While most other trout go on a feeding frenzy, brown trout start heading upstream, a few hundred yards at a time. As a result, to fish for brown trout during the rain, you always need to cast your line upstream of the fish.
Do Rainbow Trout Bite in the Rain
The rainbow trout will strike hard at just about anything if it is not raining hard. Rainbow trout love hunting for bugs and worms when the rain begins to fall. It does not have to be heavy rain, it merely needs to be overcast enough to make the fish feel safe. On overcast days where there is light rain, spinners are always an excellent choice.
Do Lake Trout Bite in the Rain
Lake trout generally do not bite in the rain, rather they start to strike after the rain has stopped. As a general rule, Lake Trout like to stay in the deeper, cooler waters. In order to fish for them shortly after the rain has stopped, you will want to drop your line into the water, but make to keep your bait off the bottom. Brown trout love water temperatures of about 42 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. As an angler, it is your goal to find the perfect depth for this temperature range.