The fish is quite weather dependent. The relationship between weather and fish behavior is clearly visible during sudden changes in weather. Especially strongly, the fish bite depends on atmospheric pressure and the dynamics of its changes. Fish bite forecasts are most often made based on weather forecasts.
- Fish biting before and after rain
- Fish biting in the wind
Atmospheric pressure and fish bite
When we talked about what the fish bite in general depends on, we noted that atmospheric pressure is the most powerful and significant meteorological factor, which has the strongest and most direct impact on the fish bite.
Cloudiness, wind, or lack thereof, cold or heat are phenomena directly related to place, time, and dependent on the dynamics of atmospheric pressure. Cyclones and anticyclones change the weather, and we see this in the form of wind, rain and temperature changes.
When we see that it has started to rain, the atmospheric pressure has already dropped. Therefore, atmospheric pressure is the primary factor influencing fish bite, even before the weather changes.
At what pressure do fish bite?
A normal pressure is 760 mm Hg ± 3 mm. Pressure surges in any direction negatively affect the fish’s bite and behavior, as the density of the water and the amount of oxygen dissolved in it change.
Observations show that a gradual decrease in pressure has a positive effect on fish biting. This is especially noticeable in the activity of pike. There is an assumption that this is due to the fact that the fish senses an upcoming change in the weather and instinct pushes it to actively eat food, but this is just speculation. With a gradual increase in pressure, a deterioration in the bite of predatory fish is noticed, while peaceful ones continue to feed as usual. But there can always be exceptions.
Any sudden and significant change in pressure has a strong physiological effect on the condition of the fish, up to its disorientation in the water column, which forces it to refuse to feed. The fish tries to compensate for the pressure by sliding into the depths or moving to shallow areas, or hanging in the upper water horizons.
Different layers of water have different illumination and temperature. By changing the depth in an attempt to compensate for the pressure, the fish finds itself in unusual conditions.
When atmospheric pressure increases, the density of water increases, and the fish rises from the depth; when the pressure decreases, on the contrary, the fish goes to deeper parts of the reservoir, if possible. This is how the fish adapts to the changed pressure and at this time the fish bite weakens or stops altogether.
After adaptation, if the pressure remains stable, the fish resumes activity and the fish bite is restored. Theoretically, the larger the fish, the more sensitive it is to changes in pressure.
Low and high blood pressure
Before you find out at what pressure fish bite in winter, you need to find out what atmospheric pressure is. Since air has its own weight, it puts pressure on the earth and everything on it. The force of external pressure is neutralized by the reciprocal force of internal pressure of a living organism.
The inhabitants of rivers, seas and lakes are no exception, which means that fish also change their behavior with any fluctuations in atmospheric pressure. Experienced fishermen usually know the behavioral characteristics of a particular type of fish. Ignoring pressure changes can affect your fishing results, even though there was an excellent bite the day before. Of course, there are skeptics of this statement.
Cloudiness and fish bite
Cloudiness does not directly affect the fish bite, but the degree of illumination and temperature depend on it. In summer, especially in the heat, fish are more active in cloudy weather. This is especially evident in the behavior of predatory fish and especially pike.
When there is insufficient lighting, the fish tends to shallow areas, in hot sunny weather, to depths. With the illumination, the fish's preference for the color of bait changes - light, bright baits in cloudy weather, dark baits in clear weather.
A warm, cloudy day is better than a cold day for biting fish, and a cool, clear day is better than a hot day. We will talk below about the effect of light on fish biting at different times of the day.
Continuous cloudiness indicates a low pressure level, and clear cloudless weather indicates an increased pressure level. The presence of cumulus (cumulus) clouds may not be related to pressure. In warm times, they are formed as a result of convection - the exchange of moisture and heat between different layers of the atmosphere. Such clouds are called convective and they are the cause of heavy precipitation.
There are many types of clouds, but not all of them produce precipitation.
Fishing at high pressure
So, we have long-term high blood pressure.
Three days have already passed, the sun is hot outside, we can go. The fish have adapted to high pressure, but you won't catch many of them in the sun. The bite is best in the morning (especially near the shore on a float), so by 4 am we should already be there. It is white fish that manage to raise the most on such days. Predators do not like high pressure, since all prey on warm days becomes more mobile and “hangs out” mainly in the upper waters, into which pike and other toothy guys rarely try to climb, and if they do, it’s more by inertia, in the heat of the chase. At high rates, predators are sluggish and sullen.
But crucian carp, carp, bream, white bream, grass carp, chub and other “herbivores” from their company bite excellently. At least at first. It is better to fish at pressure 3–7 days after it is established. Prolonged high pressure has a detrimental effect on the bite, but not because of the pressure itself, because of the scorching heat that it brings with it and, as a consequence, because of the lack of oxygen, which is a consequence of rising water temperatures.
During periods of prolonged high atmospheric pressure, bottom gear is best suited for fishing. At depth, far from the shore, there are still plenty of moving specimens. The same is advised for those who want to catch bigger fish. These will have to be caught on a feeder. It can be effective even at lunchtime.
Atmospheric precipitation and fish bite
Atmospheric precipitation falls from rain clouds formed as a result of a decrease in pressure (precipitation, warm front) or as a result of convection - convection clouds (rainfall, cold front).
In winter, precipitation is always associated with cyclones and low pressure that accumulates clouds; in summer, there is no strict dependence of precipitation on pressure.
Sign: if bubbles form on the water during rain, low pressure has established.
Fish biting before and after rain
How does rain affect fish bite? In addition to the fact that rain is a consequence of changes in pressure or redistribution of air masses, which in itself affects the fish bite, a significant amount of precipitation can cause a decrease in water temperature, an increase in water level, and the entry of various food into the reservoir along with rain streams.
Observations show that after a long period of heat, rain has a positive effect on fish biting. Often, fish bite better before rain, if it is caused by a decreased pressure level. A good fish bite after rain is associated with an improvement in the temperature of the reservoir and an increase in the amount of dissolved oxygen.
The fish bite in the rain may worsen if it is a long autumn rain with cold weather.
The influence of pressure - resolving myths and conjectures
Of course, atmospheric pressure plays a role in the process of fishing from ice, but not as global as many people think. Having studied this topic more carefully, we can conclude that some fishermen are mistaken in this matter.
Fishing success cannot be considered in relation only to barometer readings. Other factors also affect the effectiveness of fishing. Pressure affects the behavior of the fish, which indirectly affects the bite.
There are graphs of the effect of the atmosphere on bite in the winter season. They just don't show the real situation. It is foolish to give averages, since it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of each individual reservoir, and then only on the basis of long-term research and personal observations. In addition, the compiled plate will be valid until the hydraulic engineering of the reservoir or the wind rose changes.
Barometer readings
A barometer is a mechanical device for measuring atmospheric pressure.
Fish begins to behave differently not so much because of the amount of atmospheric pressure, but more because of its stability. With systematic changes, she simply does not have time to adapt to external changes - this requires at least 2-3 days.
It is difficult to clearly indicate the mercury column indicator that will be normal for productive fishing. But, there is an optimal value for such an activity, when the fish are more likely to bite.
Experts in this matter adhere to the position that at 750 mm. mercury weather conditions are suitable for fishing.
You can measure pressure using a barometer. It is advisable for fishermen to record their readings in a notebook. This will help you plan a successful trip to the pond. If there is no such device, there is another alternative - the Internet.
How the barometer determines the intensity of the bite
Low
When the temperature drops, a cyclone arrives, the sky becomes cloudy and cloudy. This weather is not suitable for fishing, as the prey becomes dormant and stops moving. Therefore, it is unlikely to bite.
If there is no wind, then the chances of catching a predator increase. During such periods, these representatives go hunting from their shelters.
Variable pressure
It was noted that with a gradual rise or fall in pressure, the fish begins to become more active. The bite will definitely be stable. There may be minor changes towards a decrease in the bite or vice versa, but there will still be a catch.
High
An increase in the mercury column of the barometer is the first signal of an imminent anticyclone. If it rises in doses, the trophy will not notice the change and will continue to eat in the same mode. Experienced fishermen confirm that calm weather without sudden upward pressure surges is favorable for winter fishing.
Horse racing has the biggest impact
When the pressure rises and falls, you shouldn’t count on successful fishing. The bite will be scanty, just a waste of time. Such spontaneous jumps negatively affect not only aquatic inhabitants, but also the well-being of people. So in such weather it makes no sense to go to the ice; it is better to wait until the atmospheric pressure stabilizes.
Effect on the swim bladder
The dependence of fish behavior on atmospheric pressure is due to changes occurring in the swim bladder. We are talking about the degree of filling of this organ with gas, this affects buoyancy.
Air pressure affects buoyancy
When the mercury column rises, gas saturation decreases and waterfowl are pressed to the bottom. In the opposite situation, there is so much air in the bubble that the water literally pushes the fish out.
How does atmospheric pressure really affect fish behavior?
Different fish have their own speed of adaptation to new weather conditions - some adapt faster, others slower. Roaches and perches quickly respond to atmospheric fluctuations and can independently normalize the level of gas in the swim bladder - get rid of excess or gain what is missing. This process takes a lot of time. Therefore, it is easier to catch perch in any season, regardless of the weather.
Perch fishing is good in winter
But predators adapt much faster than peaceful fish. Freshwater mastodon - pike. It bites better on the first ice at lower pressure. The toothy fish is no less active at the end of winter, when it begins to have a pre-spawning feast. In the dead of winter, the striped fish is extremely careful and catching it will require a lot of strength and patience, as well as experience.
Every angler dreams of catching pike in winter.
Another coveted trophy for any fisherman is pike perch. Light frost and a lot of sun are favorable for it. Active during thaws that replace severe frosts in early spring. Another representative, bream, begins to take bait in cloudy and frosty weather. This fish tolerates changes in atmospheric pressure without problems, which is similar to perch and roach.
Don't forget about crucian carp. In winter, it bites well, with rare exceptions. Only this variety slowly gets used to changing external conditions and cannot control the level of gas formation itself. So with sudden atmospheric changes, the bite drops sharply.
True, there is one peculiarity in the behavior of crucian carp - shortly before the pressure drops, they begin to become very active, as if they are trying to get enough for future use.
Burbot is not afraid of bad weather or severe frost. He withstands disasters without feeling any changes in his body. Therefore, the catch will be consistently rich in any situation. Only in winter it is extremely rare to catch burbot, which is explained by the following reasons:
- it spawns and fishing is prohibited by law;
- the fish moves along its own well-trodden paths, where there is plenty of food.
Wind and fish bite
Wind is the horizontal movement of air masses towards low pressure. Wind varies in strength, direction and duration. Interacting with the surface of the water, the wind forms waves.
Fish biting in the wind
How does wind affect fish bite? The wind affects the temperature of the reservoir and excitement. So, for example, a cold north wind after a prolonged heat can have a beneficial effect on the fish bite, and during the autumn cold snap, on the contrary, it can cause its weakening. A warm southerly wind will be useful after a cold snap with fairly low water temperatures.
Direction of the wind
Observations show that the most favorable winds for biting fish are the southwest, west and south winds. The worst fish bite is observed in northern, eastern and mixed north-eastern winds.
Wind force and wind waves
Wind waves also affect the fish bite. A light headwind causes ripples on the surface of the water and a small surf, which creates more favorable fishing conditions - the fish stops seeing and hearing what is happening on the shore. A moderate wind against the current helps in controlling the gear, and is especially useful when fishing with a float rod. A strong wind raises a large wave, which makes it difficult to control the tackle and has a negative impact on the bite.
By itself, the wind is not a very significant factor for fish bite, but it indicates that the weather is changing. The fish bite is more strongly influenced by other factors related to the wind - this is primarily a change in pressure.
In addition to all of the above, the influence of hydrological factors on the bite should also be taken into account.
Factors affecting fish in winter
Fish behave very unpredictably in winter.
Since fish are cold-blooded creatures, their metabolic processes directly depend on the temperature of the aquatic environment. The warmer it is, the more active waterfowl become and vice versa. These organisms also breathe, although oxygen enters through the gills. And the lower the degree, the higher the level of hydrocarbons in water. Against the background of this paradox, several points can be highlighted:
- The higher the water temperature, the lower the oxygen level and the better metabolic processes occur in the fish’s body. With the onset of cold weather, these aquatic inhabitants breathe well, although more slowly due to falling into a passive state. True, there is a risk of death, since the lack of oxygen leads to the fact that the fish is not able to move water through the gills due to its lethargy.
- Fluctuations in the atmosphere affect the amount of oxygen in water bodies. In winter, fish will look for water areas with high oxygen saturation in order to settle there and breathe freely.
- If the atmospheric value of the life-giving gas increases, it becomes more closer to the surface, where aquatic representatives rush if there is not enough of it at the bottom (where it is stationed in winter). A similar phenomenon is observed in the wilderness.
Also, the amount of oxygen under the ice indirectly depends on the strength of the current, variations in bottom topography, and underwater springs.
Another factor influencing behavior is a change in food supply. When it gets colder, fish migrate for food. For this reason, it often rises to the very ice, where it can profit from food. Pressure doesn't play any role here.
It is impossible to indicate favorable pressure for ice fishing. This factor can only be determined in relation to a specific reservoir, fishing conditions and personal observations.
Optimal pressure for fishing
The most normal pressure is considered to be 760 mmHg if the area is at sea level. If the area is above sea level, then every 10.5 meters the mercury column readings should be lowered by 1 mm. In this regard, one should not take instrument readings literally without first deciding on the conditions. Each area has its own atmospheric pressure indicators.
Atmospheric pressure is directly related to weather conditions: the arrival of an anticyclone is accompanied by an increase in pressure, and the arrival of a cyclone is accompanied by a decrease in pressure. If you have a barometer at home, you can calculate which fish you should target.
What fish are caught under high blood pressure?
What fish are caught at low atmospheric pressure?
Pike and atmospheric pressure
A pike should eat up to ten fish weighing 250 grams a day to provide itself with the necessary energy. Therefore, she almost always has a good appetite and is constantly in search of food. Changes in atmospheric pressure one way or another affect the behavior of pike. Pike bite almost every day, you just need to interest it in the bait.
If there is low pressure outside, then the pike feels great, unlike some peaceful fish species, which is only good for the pike. Therefore, to catch pike, it is better to choose the most inclement weather. Of course, this is not entirely comfortable, but it is effective.
Behavior of pike under high pressure
When hot weather sets in, which entails an increase in pressure, the pike loses its activity and hides in secluded places, where it simply waits for its potential victim.
During this period, pike can feed on algae and dead fish so as not to waste energy chasing prey. To catch it during this period, you need to try hard, using the most sophisticated baits to catch it. Midsummer is considered the most unfavorable period for “hunting” for pike. During this period, the oxygen concentration in the water, especially in the upper layers, decreases greatly, and the pike feels uncomfortable. It descends to a depth where the amount of oxygen is somewhat greater.
List of other reasons why fish don't bite
In addition to atmospheric pressure, other factors also influence the behavior of fish. For example:
In this regard, we can conclude that atmospheric pressure and other factors influence biting activity. Before going fishing, it is better to familiarize yourself with the atmospheric pressure and take into account other factors, such as air temperature, presence and direction of wind, etc. Then fishing will always be productive.
But if you have a strong desire to just be alone with nature, then you can go fishing in any weather. And the main thing here is not the amount of fish caught, but the amount of time spent in nature.
Hello, guys! Write here your notes from experience about the effect of pressure on fish biting! I couldn’t find such a topic on the forum and had a desire to create one!
Andrianoo
Hello, guys! Write here your notes from experience about the effect of pressure on fish biting! I couldn’t find such a topic on the forum and had a desire to create one!
———- Message added at 11:45 ———- Previous message posted at 11:26 ———-
FORECAST FROM GISMETEO FROM 12/29/14. ———- I read that if there is NOT a SHARP drop in pressure, the bite of white fish worsens, but the predator’s bite becomes more active! And with a sharp change in pressure, the bite of any fish disappears altogether. Question: should the change in pressure described above be considered abrupt or not, and is it worth going fishing (after all, it takes 2 hours to get to Mozhai)? In general, the weather will change on December 31st, but will the fish have time to move away from the jump? Who thinks what? Help as much as you can.
Atmospheric pressure is the pressure of air masses above the ground in a particular area. One Pascal is considered to be one unit. In relation to the mercury column, 1 Pa = 3/4 mm. Its fluctuations throughout the day range from 1 to 5.7 mm Hg. Art. But even to such jumps the fish does not show a reaction; most likely, it senses the source of the root cause, which led to a significant change in pressure.
It was noted that the behavior of predatory individuals is very different from the peaceful inhabitants of rivers and lakes. And of course, each type of fish experiences pressure fluctuations differently, but much stronger than humans.
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Low blood pressure is comfortable for her. She can withstand high temperatures as she prefers to eat every day. The main thing is that it is stable. If it balances for 2-3 days in a row, then the pike simply develops a brutal appetite and bites at everything it comes across.
Even differences of 2-3 mm will not affect fishing; pike can only slightly reduce their diet. With a sharp change in pressure, the appetite goes away, although the pike still bites. The main thing is to feed on time, choose the right gear and time. The fish looks for food every day, so even if it’s not abundant, there should still be a bite.
With sudden changes, the fish remains in an uncertain state and stops feeding. At this time, fishermen try to attract pike with various baits. In moments of indifference of large individuals, small things begin to go.
Feels the slightest pressure changes and weather changes. Fishing for tench is successful in stable, warm weather at temperatures no higher than +18 degrees. It affects the line, but only if it is too high or too low.
If there are no sharp jumps, then fishing is quite successful.
Bream is picky, the optimal conditions for it are sunny, quiet weather and a light south wind when the waters mix.
When it decreases, the oxygen regime in the water worsens, which negatively affects the bite, and the bream stops feeding.
The main factor for successful biting is stability. Bream bites quite well at slightly too high pressure and in cold weather.
The latter, of course, is not very convenient, but for the sake of such a fish, many fishermen willingly make such sacrifices.
Oh, and delicious bream! Especially those caught with your own hands. After all, this fish has “character”, it’s difficult to get it as a trophy.
But you can, if you know: in what weather the bream is more willing to “make contact”, and in what weather it won’t stick its nose out of its favorite hole, preferring dozing to searching for food.
Are you a fan of winter fishing? Remember: if the atmospheric pressure is within 740-745 mm above sea level, and the weather was approximately the same over the next 24 hours, and there were no forecasts for a change in the situation, then you can go fishing in the morning.
If the statement from the hydrometeorological center for the day when a trip with gear to a reservoir is planned indicates a clear change in the weather, active movement of air masses from north to south, due to which it will be windy, then it is better to change your plans.
Postpone the outing for a period with more favorable weather conditions: southwestern and western winds will blow, which have a good effect on the bite - provided that they are weak and not gusty, then you can go “for bream”.
But some fishermen who go to the Volga for bream when the river is not under ice claim that in this region the most catchy days are precisely during periods of worsening weather and a change in wind to the north.
Provided that the fisherman occupies a place that is not the most comfortable for him - when the waves, and therefore the wind, will go straight towards him. They say that the bream bite is crazy.
As for fishing for bream in the warm season, if it’s difficult to stay “overboard” for more than half an hour in a sunny place for more than half an hour, then it’s better to stay at home.
At least during the day - in water heated to +24 Celsius, the fish is defrosted and lethargic, which, of course, affects its appetite.
Now, if getting up early, before dawn, is not a problem for you, as are mosquitoes that love to attack victims, as soon as the sun begins to hide behind the horizon, then you can go fishing.
The lunar phases also seriously affect the biting activity of this type of fish. Bream are most active in search of food during the new moon, as well as during the full moon.
Moreover, with the rise of the night star, his appetite intensifies, which is why night gatherings with a fishing rod at the beginning and middle of the lunar month may turn out to be more successful than daytime ones.
There is every chance that you will return home with bream or more than one.
Just like on a cloudy spring or autumn day, when there’s a little rain or a light (western or southwestern - you remember the conditions for exceptions to the rules) breeze.
Why do precipitation and wind favorably affect the outcome of fishing?
Firstly, under such conditions, the water is enriched with oxygen, which helps stimulate the metabolism of the fish, and hence the fat.
Secondly, in contact with the water surface, air currents and raindrops deform its surface - causing ripples, which helps fishermen become “invisible” to the fish.
After all, bream is shy, and maybe savvy. He prefers to run away from a place over which a shadow has suddenly appeared, even if it is thin and looks like a tree branch or a reed bending over the surface of the water.
Therefore, when you go fishing for bream during the day, choose a shady place if possible, so that your shadow on the water is covered by the shadow of, for example, a tree. Or such that the sun, “rolling” across the sky, shines on your side or face.
The latter, of course, is not very convenient, but for the sake of such a fish, many fishermen willingly make such sacrifices.
Yes, bream has good hearing too. Therefore, even a bream caught on the hook of a fisherman from a noisy company, for example, sitting in a boat or on the shore with a talkative or loud partner, is a rare occurrence.
If you combine fishing with going on a picnic, then the only fisherman who can count on bream fish soup is the one who throws the gear either at a late hour - when friends have calmed down, or in the evening or during the day, but away from the place of the “camp.”
That’s when bream’s appetite completely disappears, it’s during sudden rises in water from heavy rains and melted snow. This is due to an increase in the amount of so-called mule in the water, which prevents the fish from breathing normally.
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Therefore, she is forced to search for a place with cleaner water and a strong current, and not to search for food.
It is not necessary to assume that all fish in strong currents tend to the shore. The same bream and pike perch remain in their places and actively feed. But the difficulty of spring fishing in strong currents also lies in the fact that it is impossible to predict in what place and when the next gulley will appear. A washout in a strong current—it couldn’t get any worse.
Wind and winter fishing
The presence or absence of wind is another factor that affects the behavior of fish. Most anglers are sure that north and east winds have a negative impact on fishing performance. In addition, the following have an unfavorable effect:
- Sharp and frequent changes in wind direction, which are certainly accompanied by the same pressure changes.
- The presence of strong wind indicates a sharp increase in pressure and an equally sharp decrease in fish activity. In addition, strong winds physically negatively affect the fishing process itself.
- Some anglers believe that if the direction of the wind coincides with the direction of the current, then this is another negative factor.
It is considered a good option when the wind blows from the south, southeast or west, while its strength and direction remain stable for a long time. In addition, you can put up with the situation when there is a slight wind blowing, as well as snow or rain. In any case, you will have to take into account the nature of the reservoir, since the behavior of the fish also depends on other factors, for example, the availability of food supply, which often misleads many, and even more so inexperienced fishermen.
Methods for determining atmospheric pressure
To determine the value of atmospheric pressure you will have to use some methods. Alternatively, you can use the Internet, where on websites you can find the weather for the coming days, indicating the air temperature, direction and strength of the wind, as well as the value of atmospheric pressure. Unfortunately, these data do not always coincide with the real state of affairs, as they say. A mechanical barometer will allow you to find out these parameters more accurately.
Important point! If you have a similar device at home, you can keep a journal (notebook) and regularly record its readings. By taking data (information), you can safely plan a fishing trip.
There are other types of devices, such as stormglass, which is a sealed flask with a solution of alcohol, camphor and nitrate. Without some experience, it is almost impossible to understand what is happening in a given flask.
What pressure should I choose for winter fishing?
Skilled fishermen have long established that any place can bring a good catch with the appropriate pressure. It was revealed that the combination of pressure and ambient temperature indicators decisively affects the catch. It turns out that if the pressure increases by 25-30 mm Hg within 5-6 hours, and the temperature drops by 7-12 degrees, the fish will not bite. The same outcome promises for most fish with a pressure drop of 9-11 mm Hg or more, which lasts for 5-6 hours with temperature changes throughout the entire period. The fish will not bite for a long time. When the indicators normalize and become more stable, the bite will become better. When winter fishing, a combination of different pressure and temperature indicators will be very useful. It is necessary that frosty weather corresponds to high pressure, and at low pressure there is mild frost.
For example, successful pike fishing requires low pressure and mild frost. Bream or rudd also bite well under such conditions.
In severe frosts it is good to catch pike perch or pike perch. Other species of fish are difficult to catch. Southern and eastern winds and heavy snowfalls have a negative impact on fishing. The only exception is the burbot fish, which is not afraid of any snowstorms.
Thus, atmospheric pressure is an integral part of fishing, especially for winter catches when there is no stability. Very often, it is this that becomes the barrier between the fisherman and the catch. Therefore, before you go fishing, it doesn’t hurt to understand the weather indicators and identify the most suitable ones for a particular situation.
