A weather front is where warm and cold air meet. As one approaches, pressure usually falls, cloud thickens and the wind picks up — a set of conditions many anglers love. After it passes, pressure rises, skies often clear and temperatures can drop.
How fish react
Carp
Often have a feeding spell as a front approaches, then can go quiet as it passes.
Pike
Known for feeding hard ahead of fronts.
Most species
Can go off for a day or so after a cold front, especially if it's followed by bright, cold, high pressure.
Tactics
Get your rods out before the front arrives and be fishing in the right area when it hits. After a cold front, scale down and fish deeper or more sheltered spots.
Thunder and lightning — the safety bit
Carbon rods conduct electricity. If you hear thunder, put rods down flat, get away from the water and shelter in a car or building if you can. Never hold a rod or sit under a brolly pole in a storm.
FAQs
- Is fishing good before a storm?
- It often is, but only fish until there's any thunder risk — then get off the bank.
- What about after a storm?
- Warm water with fresh oxygen can be good; after a cold front, sport often slows.
Put it into practice
Check the 7-day forecast and see which venues have the weather edge for your fish.
Related guides
General advice from widely shared angling experience. Every water is different — it’s a steer, not a promise of fish.