What is the best fishing pressure in winter: best weather, wind direction

The fact that atmospheric pressure drops both in summer and winter have a negative impact on fishing processes is known to almost all anglers, since the activity of fish biting decreases. At the same time, not all anglers know what pressure is considered optimal for effective fishing, so a lot of controversy is born. Disputes also occur over other factors, such as wind strength and direction, the presence or absence of precipitation, and the value of ambient temperature.

Pressure level for ice fishing

First of all, we should not talk about the magnitude of pressure, but about its stability. When significant and frequent pressure drops occur, the fish do not have time to adapt to the variability of the environment. Another factor to consider is the temperature of the water. When the water temperature drops, all life processes slow down. This factor also negatively affects the rate of stabilization of vital processes occurring in the body of the fish. In this regard, the fish gets used to the pressure period only after a couple of days, so during this period you should not count on active biting.

Many experts believe that the pressure is 750 mm. rt. the column is optimal, therefore, at this pressure, you can count on the active biting of the fish. If this parameter holds steadily for several days, then the angler will never be left without fish. But this does not mean at all that a record catch is possible, since there are a number of other factors that affect the activity of fish.

Most anglers agree. That record catches are typical for high pressure, as well as for the period of its increase. At the same time, the fish concentrates in the bottom area of ​​water bodies, so it is very important to choose the right tactics for biting.

Effects of atmospheric pressure on fish

Experts say that the mechanism of the influence of atmospheric pressure on the activity of fish is associated with changes in the volume of gas in the fish’s swim bladder. Gas volumes affect the buoyancy of the fish. When atmospheric pressure rises, gas volumes decrease and the fish begins to be pressed to the bottom layers. If the pressure drops. Then the volumes of gas increase and the fish begins to be pushed closer to the surface layers.

Different types of fish adapt to such changes at different speeds. Fish such as roach and perch react much faster to changes in gas volumes by regulating it. At the same time, it is easier for fish to get rid of excess gas than to replenish the missing volumes. It takes a lot of time, although predatory fish adapt much faster than peaceful ones. When the fish rises to the upper layers, it enters the conditions when the oxygen concentration is not as dense as in the bottom layers. This, in turn, negatively affects the general nature of the behavior of the fish, removing the activity of biting.

Methods for determining atmospheric pressure

To determine the value of atmospheric pressure, you will have to use some methods. Alternatively, you can use the Internet, where you can find the weather for the coming days on the sites, indicating the air temperature, direction and strength of the wind, as well as the magnitude of atmospheric pressure. Unfortunately, these data do not always coincide with the real state of affairs, as they say. A mechanical barometer will allow you to know these parameters more accurately.

An important point! If there is such a device at home, you can start a journal (notebook) and regularly record its readings. Taking data (information), you can safely plan a fishing trip.

There are other types of devices, such as stormglass, which is a sealed flask with a solution of alcohol, camphor and nitrate. Without some experience, it is almost impossible to understand what is happening in this flask.

Wind and ice fishing

The presence or absence of wind is another factor that affects the behavior of fish. Most anglers are sure that the north and east winds have a negative impact on fishing performance. In addition, adversely affect:

1. Sharp and frequent changes in wind direction, which is certainly accompanied by the same pressure drops.
2. The presence of a strong wind indicates a sharp increase in pressure and the same sharp decrease in fish activity. In addition, a strong wind physically negatively affects the fishing process itself.
3. Some anglers believe that if the direction of the wind coincides with the direction of the current, then this is another negative factor.

It is believed that a good option is when a south, southeast or west wind blows, while its strength and direction remain stable for a long time. In addition, you can put up with the situation when a weak wind blows, as well as snow or rain. In any case, you will have to take into account the nature of the reservoir, since the behavior of the fish also depends on other factors, for example, the availability of a food base, which often misleads many, and even more so inexperienced anglers.

Effect of precipitation on fish activity

Precipitation, be it snow or rain, also has a certain effect on the course of fishing. As a rule, one should not expect the activation of fish from heavy and prolonged snowfalls. But, if snowfalls have some breaks, then these “windows” are characterized by a significant increase in fish activity, if there is a favorable combination of both atmospheric pressure and wind direction. If the snow is small and can be compared with drizzling rain in calm weather, then you can count on a record catch.

Ambient temperature

A factor such as ambient temperature and its fluctuations have a significant impact on the activity of fish, since the temperature of the water depends on it. At the same time, it should be noted that the influence of this factor on winter fishing is much less compared to summer fishing. Winter thaws, after long frosty days, have a particularly favorable effect on fishing.

The only fish that does not like warm days is burbot, which prefers more winter frosty weather. Some anglers note that when the frost is 30 degrees, bream begins to show particular activity, although these are not very comfortable conditions for fishing and not every angler wants to be in such a frost all day.

Cloudy and biting in winter

The presence of cloudiness is evidence of a steady low atmospheric pressure. Many anglers prefer to fish on cloudy days and preferably calm ones. Then you can count on the capture of predatory fish, as it becomes much more active.

In such conditions, the temperature regime should also be taken into account, since in severe frosts, the activity of bream, as well as roach, is possible.

An important point! As a rule, after long frosty days, a thaw sets in – ideal for winter fishing trips.

The water level in the reservoir and its effect on fish biting

As a rule, the water level in a reservoir is not stable and can change significantly under the influence of various factors. If hot weather is established, then the water level begins to fall, and in case of heavy rainfall, on the contrary, it rises. In addition, artificial discharges are possible, both as a result of water intake into reservoirs and as a result of excess water discharge, which significantly affects the water level in rivers and reservoirs. Such manipulations are especially dangerous in the winter, since many fish can die.

Especially dangerous is the decrease in the water level, and even more so in winter. Fish in such conditions tries to go to the depth and, being in a state of shock, it will not take any bait or bait for a long time. All the more dangerous can be a sharp drop in the water level, when the fish simply do not have time to leave the shallow water and it will simply be crushed by ice. It should also be said that a decrease in the water level always has a negative effect and the level of fish activity decreases significantly. This is understandable, since the fish lives in the water, this is its element and its lack negatively affects the behavior of the fish in general.

The rise in the water level in the reservoir practically does not affect the behavior of the fish, but this factor can affect the results of fishing, and negatively. When the water level rises, the concentration of fish decreases and it is harder to catch it. She can simply leave her usual habitats in search of more comfortable conditions.

An important point! The rise of water in the reservoir is a signal to start looking for new fishing places, since you can be left without a catch in familiar places.

In reservoirs where artificial regulation of the water level is carried out, such an effect is less pronounced. The discharge of water from the reservoir is more important for the reservoir located below the level downstream. The release of water can positively affect the activity of fish, resulting in more significant catches.

Suitable weather for perch fishing

It’s no secret that perch is the most active fish in winter and the bulk of the catch falls on this type of fish. Active biting perch can be counted on in calm frosty weather under conditions of stable atmospheric pressure. A good option is a thaw after long frosty days. In such conditions, this ubiquitous predator can be caught throughout the daylight hours. When heavy snowfalls are observed on the street, you should not go fishing with the hope of catching a perch.

Suitable conditions for zander fishing

In zander, activity increases in parallel with an increase in atmospheric pressure, when sunny, frosty weather begins to set in the street. Despite this, pike perch is able to actively peck even during thaw days. At the same time, pike perch practically freezes in conditions of severe bad weather, typical for heavy snowstorms or snowfalls. Therefore, on such days, he is unlikely to react to various types of baits.

Pike behavior in winter

Pike are predatory fish that are much easier to catch on sunny, warm days when barometric pressure readings are at the same level for several days in a row. Such a dependence is most relevant for the deaf winter, but when the pike begins to feel the approach of spring, its behavior changes dramatically.

We can safely say that natural conditions, or rather their constant change, is the decisive factor in successful fishing or unsuccessful. Therefore, every angler should have a complete idea of ​​when you can go fishing, and when it is better to stay at home and not expose yourself to bad weather, severe frosts or precipitation, in the form of annoying rain.

In conclusion

The behavior of the fish is very unpredictable and it is not always possible to enjoy the active biting of the fish even when, it would seem, all favorable conditions have come together, such as atmospheric pressure, wind. temperature and desire. The fact is that its behavior is influenced by a lot of factors that anglers are not even aware of. We can safely say that the nature of the reservoir and the presence of a food base in it are the main factors that determine the intensity of biting. And this is not surprising, since a sufficient amount of food in the reservoir does not in any way push the fish to be interested in bait on fishing gear.