What is the best weather for fishing?

What is the best weather for fishing? Weather is one of the most important factors determining the success of a fishing trip. Even the perfect tackle, the right location, and the best bait can fail if atmospheric conditions are unsuitable for a particular fish species. Fish react to pressure, temperature, wind, precipitation, cloud cover, and moon phases. In Siberia, where the climate is sharply continental, these changes are especially noticeable: in a single day, the temperature can drop by 15–20°C, the pressure can jump by 20–30 mmHg, and the wind can change from dead calm to gale force. Knowing how to read the forecast and understand how fish react to it significantly increases your chances of a good catch.

In this article, we'll explore what weather is considered best for fishing in different conditions and seasons, as well as how atmospheric changes affect the behavior of key Siberian fish species.

Atmospheric pressure and its influence

Pressure is the most important weather factor for most freshwater fish. Fish sense pressure changes through their lateral line and swim bladder.

• Stable pressure (745–760 mmHg) is best for most species. The fish are calm and actively feeding.
• A gradual drop in pressure (5-15 mm over 6-12 hours) means excellent fishing. Before rain or a thunderstorm, fish sense the approaching front and begin feeding greedily.
• A sharp drop (more than 15–20 mm in a short time) – the bite can be explosive, but short, after which the fish often becomes quiet.
• A gradual increase in pressure means the bite is average or weak. The fish become passive.
• A sudden surge is one of the worst options. The bite almost stops for 1-3 days.

General rule: it's best to fish when the pressure is stable or slightly decreasing. Sudden surges (especially upward) are a sign that the fish will be inactive.

Air and water temperature

Air temperature affects water indirectly, but very significantly. Water warms and cools more slowly than air, so sudden temperature changes (for example, +25°C during the day and +5°C at night) can significantly reduce the bite.

• Summer: The best bite is at 18–25°C air temperature and 10–20°C water temperature (for carp, bream, pike, and perch). At temperatures above 30°C, the fish retreat to deeper waters and bite poorly.
• Spring and fall: optimal air temperatures are 10–18°C and water temperatures are 6–15°C. Post-spawning and pre-winter feeding seasons occur after ice drift and before ice formation.
• Winter: The best bite occurs when temperatures remain stable at –10 to –20°C. With sudden warming or severe frosts below –30°C, the bite drops sharply.

For salmonids (grayling, lenok, taimen), the best water temperature is 4–12°C. When the temperature rises above 15°C, they retreat to the shade and deeper waters, and when the temperature drops below 4°C, they become lethargic.

On the Putorana Plateau, water temperatures rarely exceed 10–14°C even in the height of summer, making grayling fishing in Siberia particularly successful in August–September. Cold snaps and frosts are common in summer, but when the weather is stable, the bite can be simply fantastic.

Wind and its influence

Wind greatly influences fish behavior and the ease of fishing.

• A light wind (1–4 m/s) is best. The waves slightly aerate the water, increase oxygen levels, and mix the feed.
• Moderate winds (4–7 m/s) produce good bites, especially on large lakes and reservoirs. The waves lift the bait from the bottom.
• Strong winds (>8–10 m/s) — the bite deteriorates. Fish retreat to cover, bait is washed away, and fishing becomes difficult.

Wind direction is also important:

• Wind at your back or from the side is convenient for casting.
• The wind in your face makes it difficult to cast, but it often increases the bite (the waves push the bait to the shore).

On the Putorana Plateau, the wind is almost always strong (5–15 m/s), so heavy lures, sliding floats, and bottom rigs are often used. However, in light winds, the bite can be downright explosive.

Precipitation and cloudiness

• Rain is one of the best factors for fishing. Before and during light rain, the bite of all species increases.
• Thunderstorm - before a thunderstorm the bite can be crazy, during a thunderstorm and immediately after - it almost always dies down.
• Cloudy weather - fish are more active than in bright sunshine.
• Bright sun - fish go deeper, into the shade, and bite worse (except for asp and chub, which love the sun).

Time of day and phases of the moon

• The best time: morning (5–11 am) and evening (5–10 pm). This is when the fish are most active.
• Night is a great time for predators to bite (taimen, pike, large perch, catfish).
• Midday in the heat is the worst time to catch fish.

The phases of the moon have little influence, but it has been noted:

• Full moon and new moon - the bite is often better, especially at night.
• The first and last quarters - the bite is average.

Conclusion

The best fishing weather is stable or slightly falling pressure, air temperature of 15–25°C (water temperature of 8–18°C for most species), light to moderate winds, overcast skies or light rain, and morning or evening temperatures. Sudden changes in pressure (especially upward), strong winds, and extreme heat or frost are the worst conditions.

The weather on the Putorana Plateau is extremely changeable: in a single day, temperatures can range from 25°C (77°F) to snow and gale-force winds. But when conditions are stable (especially in August and September), the fishing here can be simply fantastic. Here, fish thrive in ideal natural conditions—icy-clear water, high oxygen levels, a pebble bottom, abundant food, and a complete absence of civilization. It's these pristine environments that allow the fish to be at their most active and strong, turning fishing into a true adventure. Pay attention to the forecast and be prepared for any surprises—and luck will be on your side. Happy fishing!