In reality, it’s likely lots of these weather factors play a part in triggering fish to feed and get caught, so working out which ones impact your target species the most is a good way to dial in your next fishing session. And easier to find your bait, too. The old myth of the fishing being good when it’s raining is also likely due to the low pressure conditions often associated with rainfall. Some believe the fish can sense when bad weather is approaching and will feed with this in mind, others believe that low pressure conditions make it easier for some species to be caught as it affects their swim bladder and body in such a way that it becomes easier for them to hunt and find food. Many people will also purposely fish when they know a weather front is incoming, or in low pressure conditions. What and when would be the equivalent feeding event at your local water? Think about an insect hatching on a trout stream and how that triggers a feeding response. If it’s likely the food items your target species eats are active, it’s likely the fishing will be good too. This relationship between food items and weather conditions is an important one to consider when assessing the best fishing times.

Learning what water temperature your target species and their food prefers is another part of knowing the best times to fish. Some species, however, favour cold water and species like some flatfish, trout, perch, pike, surf perch, tuna species and cod are usually fished for in cold water or even through ice.

Fishing planet location guide