Every angler knows that successful fishing largely depends on the weather. At the same time, a sunny, fine day in summer is not always better than a cloudy sky and a little rain. Especially if you went to catch crucian carp. The behavior and feeding preferences of this fish are highly weather dependent. To get a good bite, you need to know and take into account a number of points.
Knowledge of weather conditions that affect its bite will help ensure a successful catch of crucian carp.
Bite forecast
Most fishing enthusiasts go to the pond with a fishing rod only when they have free time. For example, on the long-awaited only day off or even for a couple of hours after work. In such cases, it is difficult to take into account weather conditions, including atmospheric pressure, possible cyclones, wind direction, etc.
However, if you are focusing specifically on the results of fishing and the number of fish caught, and not just on a pleasant pastime on the shore of the lake, then you need to make a bite forecast in advance. This is done quite simply. Let's say you go fishing tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. So, when looking at the weather forecast, pay special attention to:
- air temperature;
- wind strength and direction;
- precipitation;
- atmospheric pressure.
When going fishing for crucian carp, you should take into account the weather on that day, because... otherwise there may be no bite
Of course, experienced fishermen will say that these 4 points are not enough. It is important to know the water temperature, the geomagnetic situation, and even the phase of the moon. But still, weather factors are much more significant, so we will consider each of them and determine their positive and negative impact on the outcome of successful fishing.
In summer
At this time, a moderate southern or southwestern wind of up to 10 m/s has a positive effect on the bite of crucian carp. This is especially noticeable after prolonged hot weather, when the oxygen level in the water drops and temperature stratification (thermocline) occurs. At this time, wind from any direction activates fish, especially in shallow waters. Air flows create wind currents - surge and rip current, they lead to mixing of water and saturation with oxygen. This helps to activate all aquatic organisms, including fish.
At such times, the most promising places to find crucian carp are the leeward shores, where the waves hit. Wind currents bring zooplankton into such areas, followed by benthic organisms, which in turn are natural food for fish. The rip current carries these food objects some distance from the shore. The greatest concentration of benthos and plankton will be where the rip current dissipates. The deeper the lee shore is, the less force the rip current gains, therefore the fish will come even closer to the water’s edge.
At night, in the evening and early in the morning, crucian carp bite well in calm weather. At this time, the sun does not heat the water and the fish actively walk and feed.
Air temperature
When it comes to air temperature and its effect on how lake fish bite, it is important to take into account the time of year. If it’s spring, the warmer it is outside, the brighter the sun shines, the better it is for catching crucian carp. The fact is that the fish are just waking up from hibernation and the slightest warming only increases its activity and hunger.
In summer the situation changes a little. High air temperatures and hot weather negatively affect the bite. The fish are forced to retreat to deep holes, where there is more oxygen, and wait for a slight cooling. Therefore, in June-July, it is best to go crucian carp fishing in the early morning (from 4 to 10) or at the so-called evening dawn (from 18 to 22), when the sun does not shine so brightly.
In the summer, the catch of crucian carp will be better in the morning, when the air temperature remains low
Crucian carp also do not like it when it gets very cold in the summer. In this case, the fish bite extremely rarely and mainly only on animal bait. In the autumn months, it is optimal for fishing when the air temperature has not changed by more than 5°C for 2-3 days. Moreover, if the weather is sunny, the fish bite much better and more often. At the end of September and October, during the first frosts, crucian carp may even begin to burrow into the silt - naturally, it is difficult to catch them, and there is no point in counting on a good catch.
What does the start of crucian carp biting depend on?
As mentioned a little earlier, the main requirements for starting fishing are:
- water temperature not lower than 10 degrees Celsius during the week;
- the presence of silt at the bottom of the reservoir;
- warm weather for five or seven days.
Tips for a fisherman: What to catch for crucian carp pond rotan - Tips for a beginner
Spawning
After winter, crucian carp loses a very large amount of strength and energy, after which it tries to restore everything very quickly, because the most important moment will soon come - spawning. It may happen two or three times. This depends on the weather, in particular the wind, the amount of light and the shape of the reservoir.
It starts somewhere at the end of May or the beginning of next month. You can catch this moment when the viburnum begins to bloom, but, more often than not, it depends on the temperature of the water and the environment. Spawning does not last long, but is repeated three or 4 times with a break of even a month.
Time to catch crucian carp
You need to catch such a cunning fish as crucian carp very early in the morning, that is, as soon as the sun has risen, and in the evening. It is worth noting that heat has a negative effect on bites. Based on this, it is better to throw bait in shady places. In the early hours you can catch the largest representatives. There are also bites at night, but this is rare.
Air temperature
Crucian carp awakens if the number 15 or higher on the thermometer lasts for about a week. This time is enough to warm up the water a little. It is also worth saying that if frost strikes again, it is better not to expect a bite. Crucian carp react in the same way if the temperature drops sharply in summer. They get scared and stop feeding.
Wind
Many people say that the bite is observed if the wind is south or west. In any other direction, the chance of bites drops sharply. All this is confirmed by the experience of many fishermen. Wind speed also affects the behavior of these fish.
Cloudiness
If the weather is excellent and clear, then bites will be observed throughout the day, but not in sunny places. However, you should be upset; in cloudy weather, crucian carp will also be caught, if, of course, it has been holding on for a couple of days.
If the weather changes almost every day, then it is better not to go fishing. Crucian carp do not like sudden changes in pressure and any weather conditions. This worries them.
If there is a cold snap in the spring, especially a long one, then the fish begins to “get sick”. This manifests itself in inactivity and refusal of food. If spawning has already begun at that moment, then the crucian carp take a break from this important activity. The fish moves away from the shore and again hides in the holes where it spent the winter. This is why, due to a cold or late spring, spawning can begin even at the end of June.
Wind
Particular attention must be paid to strength and direction. In stormy and gusty winds (from 20 m/s), the fish, as a rule, bite very poorly. It’s also difficult to react to a bite – be it float or bottom tackle. Strong wind causes the bait to move unnaturally and intensely on the bottom, which frightens the wary crucian carp.
Complete calm, as a rule, is also unfavorable for fishing. There is less oxygen in the water, the heat increases, and even small crucian carp are sent to the depths, where they can be periodically caught only with the help of a feeder and long casting. A warm southern wind with small gusts of up to 7-10 m/s has a positive effect on crucian carp’s interest in bait. When eastern and northern winds blow, there is a sharp decrease in the bite, especially in summer.
Both in strong wind and in its absence, crucian carp will practically not be caught
Experienced fishermen also recommend positioning themselves on the reservoir on the leeward shore. Thus, the current created by the wind redistributes the food supply, carries in the direction where the bait equipment is located, the remains of complementary food, various larvae, etc., which greatly attracts fish. True, if the wind is too strong, then the waves beating against the shore and coastal vegetation create noise that alarms the crucian carp.
If, looking outside, you notice a real squall, then it is better to stay at home. But after the wind subsides, you can safely go catch this fish - crucian carp are very fond of feeding near the shore, where there is a lot of delicacy for them, washed by the wave from all over the reservoir.
Another fact related to the influence of weak wind on the success of fishing is the creation of ripples, which better saturate the water with oxygen and serve as a kind of “camouflage”, because. the fish does not see what is happening on the shore and is more confidently interested in the baited hook.
Light winds are optimal for successful crucian carp fishing.
Do not forget about the location of the reservoir, which may be in a hollow or surrounded by forest on all sides. In this case, the wind has little effect on the bite. The behavior of the fish depends more on the temperature of the water and air, pressure, current, and even on the bottom topography in the place where the fishing is taking place.
in spring
In the spring, when it is still quite cold, strong winds from any direction have a bad effect on the activity of crucian carp. The movement of air masses further cools the already cool water, preventing it from warming up normally. At this time, crucian carp is looking for areas that are most protected from the wind, such as small bays and coastal areas overgrown with trees or last year’s reeds.
In May, when it is already quite warm, crucian carp bite well in complete calm or in a weak southwest wind. East and north directions have a worse effect on spring fishing, as they cool the water.
Precipitation
If we talk about fishing for crucian carp in the summer, then light precipitation in the form of light rain makes the bite more stable. It is easier to catch it in such weather conditions - it greedily takes the bait, “rejoicing” at the slight cooling and the influx of oxygen into the water. Often crucian carp bite better before a thunderstorm, but only for a short time. He tries to fatten up as much as possible and hide from bad weather in deep holes or snags.
Autumn and spring rain significantly worsens the bite. The reason for this is that the water becomes too cloudy, and the crucian carp practically stop feeding. If there were a couple of rainy days in the summer or it rained all night, then this will definitely increase the water level, to which the fish will react extremely negatively and stop feeding.
Heavy rain will scare away the crucian carp and there will be no catch
In winter, during snowfall, the crucian carp bite is noticeably worse. In addition to the lack of precipitation at this time of year, its activity also requires calm, warm weather. But such weather conditions are rare, which is why not many people take to catching crucian carp with winter gear.
What kind of weather does crucian carp like?
When going fishing, you need to take into account that the bite will depend on both weather conditions and the time of year. It is known that with the onset of the first cold weather, fish activity decreases significantly, and therefore, for example, from the second half of autumn, even in favorable weather, catching crucian carp will be quite problematic. Winter is a period of hibernation, which the crucian carp spends by burying itself, along with other fish, in the bottom silt.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, which include:
- artificially heated reservoirs (for example, created for biological wastewater treatment or channels for water outlet from a power plant). Thanks to the stable temperature, kept at the same level all year round, fishing for crucian carp is practically no different from summer;
- recently created reservoirs with a hard bottom - the thickness of the silt layer does not allow the crucian carp to bury itself and it is forced to look for food throughout the winter.
Also find out how to salt crucian carp on a ram at home.
Precipitation and cloudy weather
In summer, precipitation does not have a particular effect on fish biting. For example, light rain can even improve the catch. This is due to a slight accompanying cooling and an increase in the level of oxygen in the water. However, heavy rainfalls can provoke a rise in the water level, to which the crucian carp reacts extremely negatively, refusing to feed.
Also, the optimal time for fishing is considered to be a short period before the start of a thunderstorm - at this time, crucian carp tries to eat as much as possible and hide from bad weather.
In spring and autumn, rain significantly worsens the bite and also makes it unstable. The main reason is significant turbidity in the water, as a result of which the crucian carp stops feeding.
With the onset of winter, the optimal weather for fishing is warm weather and no wind. Heavy snowfalls worsen the bite, and if you take into account the general low activity of the fish, the probability of catching crucian carp is reduced to almost zero.
Did you know? The largest crucian carp in history was caught by a resident of the Pskov region, the village of Osyno;
the weight of the trophy was 5.5 kg.
Air temperature
This parameter also depends on the season chosen for fishing:
- In winter , with a decrease in air and water temperatures, there is practically no fish activity. The same applies to artificial reservoirs. Even if the water has cooled by a few degrees, you may not expect a bite.
- In the spring, with the onset of the first thaw, but even before the start of spawning, the bite of crucian carp increases significantly and continues to grow with increasing temperature. During this period, even a short-term return of frost can cause a lack of catch. This behavior of fish is observed after spawning until the beginning of the summer heat, with the advent of which crucian carp begins to react sharply to temperature increases.
- In summer , at +25°C, it leaves its usual habitats in search of places with cool water. If the temperature changes too sharply, the bite will be almost completely absent.
- Optimal conditions for fishing in the fall are stable weather , when for several days the air temperature varies by no more than 5°.
Pressure
Barometer readings also play an important role when fishing for crucian carp. Thus, a sharp increase in pressure “compacts” the water, driving fish from the bottom to the surface of the reservoir. An accompanying sign of high pressure is often calmness, which means the almost complete absence of movement of the air mass with waves. In such conditions, the fish slows down or stops completely, refusing to feed.
Important! It is known that in the mountains, depending on the altitude, the “normal” pressure may differ from 760 mm. rt. Art., and therefore pressure surges have practically no effect on the behavior of fish that live in reservoirs in mountainous areas.
A sharp drop in pressure also has a negative effect on the bite, during which the crucian carp simply does not have time to change lanes and may even lose coordination in its movements. The optimal condition for a good catch is a gradual decrease in atmospheric pressure. This is due to preparatory eating before the accompanying worsening of the weather, as well as attempts to compensate for the difference in pressure in the swim bladder and the conditions outside.
Stable blood pressure over several days is considered optimal.
Wind influence
The strength and direction of the wind have a tremendous impact on the behavior of underwater inhabitants. Thus, the bite deteriorates significantly if the wind speed is equal to or exceeds 20 m/s. First of all, this is due to the behavior of the bait, which moves too intensely and unnaturally on the bottom, thereby not attracting, but only scaring away the crucian carp.
Here you can learn how to cook crucian carp in the oven in foil.
The complete absence of wind leads to a decrease in oxygen levels in the water, which causes the fish to sink to the very bottom. But eastern and northern winds, especially during the summer heat, have a negative impact on the bite. If the selected reservoir is located in a hollow or surrounded by forest, then the direction and strength of the wind will not have a significant impact on the behavior of the fish.
Favorable for fishing is a light southern wind, the gusts of which do not exceed 6–10 m/s, and the ripples it creates on the surface not only saturate the water with oxygen, but also act as a good camouflage of the shore and equipment.
Atmosphere pressure
For a good catch, you will have to refer to the barometer readings. With a sharp increase in atmospheric pressure, crucian carp feel uncomfortable at the bottom, where they actually feed. After all, the density of water increases, an additional load is placed on the swim bladder, so the fish moves to the upper layers.
By the way, with a significant increase in pressure, there is often still calm, which does not create waves and does not mix air and water masses. There is less oxygen and the crucian carp now definitely have no time for food. They, on the contrary, simply stand at depth, and all their life processes, including digestion, are temporarily slowed down.
Strong surges in atmospheric pressure negatively affect the bite of crucian carp
A sharp drop in air pressure will have an even more negative impact on the bite than an upward barometer needle. The fish simply does not have time to change lanes and does not feel well the water level, depth, and even gets confused in the direction of movement. The crucian carp likes the slow decrease in atmospheric pressure.
Firstly, this is an undoubted symptom of deteriorating weather and the fish is trying to eat for future use. Secondly, there is also a biological explanation. It is necessary to compensate for the difference in pressure in the swim bladder and outside, so the crucian carp needs to feed intensively and stay close to the bottom, where the bait is waiting for it.
You will not be left without a catch even if the atmospheric pressure has been stable over the past 2-3 days. After and before spawning it is enough, even if there was no growth during the day.
The best catch will be at stable atmospheric pressure
For fish living in reservoirs in mountainous areas, fluctuations in atmospheric pressure have practically no effect. You can catch it without looking at the barometer readings.
in autumn
At the beginning of autumn, while the water has not yet cooled, crucian carp feed intensively. The most favorable time for catching it will be during the daytime in warm and sunny weather. The lower the water temperature drops, the more passive the crucian carp will become. Therefore, cold north or east winds have a bad effect on the bite.
By the end of September and in October, the movement of cold air masses greatly cools the upper layers of water, as a result of which the temperature on the leeward coast will be lower than in areas protected by trees or reeds. Therefore, at this time you need to look for crucian carp in shelters from vegetation, where there is a lull.
Closer to November, crucian carp, like all living organisms that are their natural food, move to deep areas of the reservoir, where the influence of the wind is practically not felt.
What weather is most favorable for catching crucian carp?
Summarizing the above, you can determine when it is better to catch crucian carp:
- On a sunny, clear day with a slight south wind.
- Before a thunderstorm or during drizzling rain (typical in summer).
- On a warm, windless but cloudy day.
- At low atmospheric pressure.
- During a period of moderate water and air temperatures.
- In the absence of sudden changes in weather during the last 2-3 days.
Now you know what weather is considered more favorable for crucian carp fishing, but do not forget that every rule has exceptions.
Crucian carp will also bite well before an approaching thunderstorm
There is no bad weather for fishing
By making a bite forecast based on weather conditions, you can predict 80-90% how much more actively and better the fish will react to the bait. However, we must not forget that crucian carp is unpredictable, and its behavior is often difficult to explain.
From my own experience, I have repeatedly noticed how this fish bites every few minutes in the heat with a strong north-east wind or, conversely, in complete calm. Whereas under favorable circumstances in the form of small clouds, south wind and light rain, the bites stopped completely and even changing baits and fishing locations were unsuccessful.
Therefore, it is best to focus not only on weather conditions, but also on personal experience, the time of year, and the characteristics of a particular body of water and its inhabitants. The desire and passion of the fisherman, carefully selected bait and good gear can always provide good fishing results. Remember this and go fishing as soon as possible!
The features of crucian carp fishing will be discussed in the following video:
How wind direction affects the bite
In fact, there is no clear relationship between wind direction and bite. It can peck in any direction. Much more important is where the angler is when the wind blows. The most favorable location for fishing is the windward side of the coast. The incoming waves bring food, raise turbidity, and this forces some of the fish to stay in the surf zone. Another thing is that in strong winds, it is not very comfortable to control the bait due to the formation of an arc on the fishing line. Which can affect the quality of animation and ultimately leads to a decrease in the number of bites. Other negative factors are the difficulty of casting, reduced casting distance, and in the case of fishing with a float, the difficulty of tracking careful bites.
