Cold fronts can affect fishing
Though as anglers we eagerly await springtime, and the varied fishing opportunities it presents, the season also brings with it weather extremes that can challenge even the most resolute. Perhaps the most common of these is the cold front, a situation accompanied by a significant drop in temperature and high winds.
Generally, springtime cold fronts do a couple of things. For one, they can temper the aggressiveness of fish, lake dwelling fish especially. There are many theories as to why this is, such as a drop in water temperature or significant change in barometric pressure. In my experience there are so many environmental changes occurring at any given time that it’s about impossible to pinpoint what is causing what. I think it’s wise to not overthink it, to just be prepared to adapt your fishing strategy if necessary.
The other major situation that cold fronts often bring is wind, something that can severely hamper your best efforts. Here are a few thoughts and tips for dealing with springtime cold fronts.
As May approaches species such as bass, crappies, and bluegills will be making movements into shallower water, to areas where they will spawn during the next few weeks. During a warming trend it’s common to catch fish relatively shallow, whereas during and after the passage of a significant cold front they will push out deeper. For example, a little over a week ago my friend Dave Keith caught over two dozen bass from a local lake, fish that were tucked up right against the bank. It was during a warming trend. A few days later, during an afternoon that provided a stiff breeze and highs in the 40s, we had another good day. But all the largemouth and smallmouth bass we caught were in five to 10 feet of water.
It’s often common for the fish in dingy water to be more catchable than ones in clearer water. In the situation just described, Dave’s fish came from a clear section of the lake. When we returned, that area only produced a couple. By moving to a part of the lake with murky water we caught over 30.
When fish are aggressive, they will chase down a moving lure, one such as a swimbait or crankbait. When in a more negative mood it’s likely you’ll fare better with a slower, more subtle presentation like a jig. Finesse-sized jigs like the Ned Rig – which is simply a short, no-action plastic worm teamed with a light jighead – tend to get the most bites.
Strong wind, whether associated with a cold front or not, can put a damper on any fishing experience. If you fish from a boat, it can make boat control difficult. Wind can make properly presenting a lure or bait a challenge. For the boat fisherman working along a section of shoreline – a common tactic during the springtime – it’s best to fish into the wind. Most boats are equipped with a bow-mounted trolling motor. By working into the wind, you have a measure of control as you pull the boat into the oncoming waves.
Try to cast either directly into the wind, or directly with the wind. This allows the greatest measure of feel. Cross winds will grab your line and wreak havoc with your presentation, especially if you are trying to creep a light jig across the bottom. The person handing boat control chores needs to position things so such casts can be made. This might mean putting the boat close to shore and casting parallel to the bank, fore and aft.
Move to a part of the lake that’s getting less wind. Many of our reservoirs are narrow and winding, often providing a shoreline or cove that’s out of the wind. Just be prepared for a crowd, as others often take the same approach during windy weather.
Keep your rod tip low. When it’s not possible to cast into and directly downwind, when you’re forced to cast in a crosswind, keep your rod tip low to the water to expose as little line to the wind as possible.
Spring cold fronts are common, a part of fishing. But they need not keep you from having a meaningful day on the water.
Jeff Knapp is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle
