Northland Fishing Tackle Northland Fisherman Catalog and Fishing Guide loaded with tips, tricks and secrets
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WEATHER "It Affects their Mood & Habits!"

WEATHER AFFECTS FISH Daily and hourly element changes like barometric pressure, wind, temperature and sky conditions have a drastic effect on the movement and activity of fish! As a rule . . . good fishing weather will hold a high steady barometer with mild winds of a southerly direction. Excellent fishing weather conditions usually occur prior to, and as a frontal system in moving into an area after a period of stable weather. It usually brings with it rain, a sharply falling barometer and westerly winds! A low & steady barometer means fish will become more active. A rising barometer means fish will become more active.

On the other hand, there is a system called a "cold front" & this virtually kills good fishing! When the wind changes to a northerly direction & the air & water temperatures drop sharply, the fishing is going to be real tough for 24-48 hours. A cold front typically follows a storm and is often recognized by mile high blue skies & strong, gusting northerly winds! After a cold front passes through, fishing will continue to improve until the next one hits. A cold front makes fish spooky & drives them into deep water and heavy weed cover where they become inactive & very hard to catch!

Duane Peterson
Fishing Tips
  • During cold fronts, fish the warm water rivers & shallow, weedy, dark water lakes. Use lighter line, smaller baits, and move slower & fish deeper water. Stay off the clear deepwater lakes!
  • Fish will be most active during the middle of the day til just after dark during cold fronts. Go to your best spots, and present bait as close to structure as possible!
  • Vertical jigging, live bait rigging and "deadsticking" are the best ways to combat cold fronts. Horizontal fishing, like trolling and casting are less effective. Most fish are dormant & burrowed in cover on the bottom, & need to be enticed & tempted with an "in your- face" vertical presentation!