Watch The Forecast!
OK, I know this is a little redundant and basic,but it is very important to check the weather before you head out to the river. Check the daily details, the hour by hour breakdown. Check it on the Internet, on your favorite weather channel, or get the local paper. Check for High pressure, Low pressure, Wind, rain, Snow, Temperature , and Temperature throughout the day. Yes we are all at the mercy of Mother Nature , but you want to be prepared for what you are going to encounter for the day, or even week. I’m not saying to not go out and fish, just be prepared because the weather can determine how long you fish I.E. If you are going to drift the river, go on an overnight camp trip, go on a mile hike, or just fish a short distance from your rig for a few minutes and call it good. The fish also react different according to the time of year and the weather patterns. Here are four things that I like to consider when I’m checking the weather to fish my home waters:
- Temperature- this will determine what to wear, what bugs to bring, hatch time, and what time to fish…if it is going to be 2 degrees at 9:00 a.m. and warm to 45 by 2:30 p.m. you probably don’t need to get out until 12:00 p.m.
- Pressure- this can determine where you fish. certain rivers fish better in high pressure ,most fish better in low pressure. This also helps you target certain fish that typically feed on a high or low. locally there is a river that consistently fishes great for cutthroat with a high pressure bright sky day.
- Wind- this will determine how long you float, where you float ,or if you don’t float at all. there are some great little streams that are tucked away in the timber that often give shelter on those windy days. Sometimes the wind will blow the hatch off, or blow what hatch there is into an isolated area where the fish stack up and feed and because of the disturbance of the water from the wind you can get closer to your target and make short casts and be very successful. If you consistently have wind (North Platte WY) then it is old hat, mentally you are prepared and you deal with it, but if there are choices, be smart.
- Precipitation-this will determine obviously what to wear, but also will determine where to fish based on where you have had success in the past during light, heavy, rain or snow. Fish usually feed on rainy days as long the the low pressure is settled in.
Watch the weather and you will be more comfortable and successful out on the water!
Royce Klingler
