Do Trout Bite After Rain? A Fly Fisherman’s Guide to Post-Rain Success
Yes, trout absolutely can bite after rain, and often the fishing can be exceptionally good, especially if the rain brings increased flow, cooler water temperatures, and dislodged food into the river. Understanding why and how to capitalize on these conditions is key to a successful outing.
The Science Behind Post-Rain Trout Behavior
Trout are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, and rainfall significantly alters their aquatic world. To understand why they bite after rain, we need to consider the key environmental shifts that occur.
Increased Water Flow: Rainfall directly translates into higher river flows. This increase in current can dislodge insects from their hiding places, making them vulnerable and appealing to trout. Higher flows also allow trout to move more freely and explore new areas, searching for concentrated food sources.
Cooler Water Temperatures: Rainwater is often cooler than the river water, particularly during warmer months. This influx of cooler water can invigorate trout, increasing their metabolism and feeding activity. Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, so cooler water provides a healthier environment.
Increased Oxygen Levels: While rain can briefly reduce oxygen levels in still water, in moving water, the turbulence caused by rain and increased flow actually increases dissolved oxygen. This is due to increased surface area exposure, allowing more oxygen to dissolve into the water.
Changes in Water Clarity: Rain can make the water murkier, reducing visibility for both the trout and their prey. While extremely muddy water can deter feeding, slightly stained water can actually be beneficial, allowing trout to ambush prey more effectively and making them feel safer from predators.
Benefits of Fishing After Rain
The advantages of fishing after rain are numerous, making it a prime time to target trout.
- Increased Feeding Activity: As mentioned earlier, dislodged insects and cooler, oxygenated water drive trout to feed more aggressively.
- Reduced Fishing Pressure: Many anglers avoid fishing in the rain or immediately after, leaving the river less crowded and allowing you to fish undisturbed.
- Opportunity for Larger Catches: The combination of increased food availability and reduced competition can lead to larger catches and the chance to land bigger fish.
- Chance to Try Different Techniques: The altered conditions may require or favor different fishing techniques, allowing you to experiment and expand your angling skills.
Strategies for Fishing Post-Rain Conditions
To maximize your success when fishing after rain, consider these strategies:
- Observe the Water: Pay close attention to the water clarity, flow rate, and any visible insect activity. This will help you determine the best approach.
- Choose the Right Flies: Select flies that imitate the insects that are likely to be dislodged by the rain, such as worms, stoneflies, and caddisflies.
- Fish the Edges: Trout often seek refuge in the calmer waters along the edges of the river during periods of high flow. Target these areas with your casts.
- Adjust Your Presentation: The increased flow may require you to adjust your presentation to ensure your fly drifts naturally. Consider using heavier flies or split shot to get your fly down to the fish.
- Be Patient: It may take some time for the trout to adjust to the new conditions. Be patient and persistent, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
While fishing after rain can be rewarding, it also presents certain challenges.
- High and Murky Water: Challenge: Reduced visibility makes it difficult for trout to see your fly. Solution: Use larger, brightly colored flies that are easier for trout to spot. Fish slower, deeper runs where the water is clearer.
- Dangerous Conditions: Challenge: Increased flow can make wading difficult and dangerous. Solution: Exercise extreme caution when wading. Consider fishing from the bank or using a boat. Avoid areas with swift currents and unstable footing.
- Lack of Insect Activity: Challenge: The rain may have washed away all the insects. Solution: Focus on fishing areas where insects are likely to be sheltered, such as under overhanging vegetation or behind large rocks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve your post-rain fishing success.
- Ignoring Water Conditions: Failing to assess the water clarity, flow, and temperature before fishing can lead to poor fly selection and presentation.
- Using the Wrong Flies: Using flies that are not appropriate for the conditions can deter trout from biting. Research what insects are typically active in the area and select flies that imitate them.
- Fishing Too Fast: Fishing too quickly without thoroughly covering the water can miss opportunities. Slow down and focus on presenting your fly effectively in each likely holding spot.
- Neglecting Safety: Overlooking safety precautions in high-flow conditions can put you at risk. Always wear a wading belt and be aware of your surroundings.
Comparing Different Post-Rain Scenarios
The best approach to post-rain fishing depends on the specific conditions. The following table summarizes how to adjust your strategy based on water clarity.
| Water Clarity | Fly Selection | Presentation | Target Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear | Small, natural-looking flies | Delicate drifts, precise placement | Riffles, pools, seams |
| Stained | Medium-sized, attractor patterns | Slightly weighted flies, longer drifts | Edges of currents, near structure |
| Murky | Large, brightly colored flies | Heavy flies, slow retrieves | Deep pools, slower runs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about fishing for trout after rain:
What is the best time to fish after rain?
The best time to fish after rain depends on the intensity and duration of the rainfall. Generally, fishing during a light rain can be very productive, as can fishing shortly after the rain stops, before the water becomes too muddy. A day or two after a heavy rain, once the water has started to clear, can also be excellent.
What types of flies should I use after rain?
The best flies to use after rain depend on the water clarity and the types of insects that are likely to be dislodged. Consider using worms, stoneflies, caddisflies, and attractor patterns. In murky water, larger, brightly colored flies are often effective.
How does water temperature affect trout feeding activity after rain?
Cooler water temperatures brought on by rain generally stimulate trout feeding activity, especially during warmer months. Cooler water holds more oxygen and increases trout metabolism.
Is it safe to wade in a river after heavy rain?
Wading in a river after heavy rain can be dangerous due to increased flow and reduced visibility. Exercise extreme caution and consider fishing from the bank or using a boat. Always wear a wading belt and be aware of your surroundings.
Does the type of rain (gentle vs. heavy) make a difference?
Yes, the type of rain does make a difference. Gentle rain can be beneficial, gradually increasing flow and dislodging insects. Heavy rain, on the other hand, can cause the water to become extremely murky and dangerous.
How long does it take for a river to recover after a heavy rain event?
The recovery time for a river after a heavy rain event depends on various factors, including the intensity and duration of the rain, the size of the watershed, and the geology of the area. It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days for the water to clear and the fish to return to their normal behavior.
Can I still catch trout if the water is very muddy after rain?
While it can be more challenging, you can still catch trout in muddy water. Use large, brightly colored flies and focus on fishing in slower, deeper runs where the water may be slightly clearer.
What is the best way to present my fly in high water conditions?
In high water conditions, it is important to adjust your presentation to ensure your fly drifts naturally. Consider using heavier flies or split shot to get your fly down to the fish. Focus on fishing the edges of the current and using mend techniques to control the drift.
How important is it to match the hatch after rain?
While matching the hatch is always important, it can be particularly crucial after rain, as trout may be more opportunistic and willing to take whatever is available. Observe the water and identify any insects that are being dislodged, and select flies that imitate them.
Are certain areas of the river better to fish after rain?
Yes, certain areas of the river are often better to fish after rain. Look for areas where insects are likely to be sheltered, such as under overhanging vegetation or behind large rocks. The edges of the current and slower, deeper runs can also be productive.
How does rainfall affect the pH levels in the river, and how does this affect trout?
Rainfall can slightly lower the pH level in a river, making the water more acidic. However, the impact on trout is usually minimal unless the pH level drops drastically. Trout thrive in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Should I adjust my leader and tippet setup after rain?
Yes, it is often necessary to adjust your leader and tippet setup after rain. In murky water, you may want to use a shorter, heavier leader and tippet to help your fly get down to the fish quickly. In clearer water, you can use a longer, lighter leader and tippet for a more delicate presentation.