Before or After a Front

[Pookie]

Which is most successful?

[Travis C.]

I have always considered before better but it depends on the amount and how fast the pressure changes. That is your key factor to watch when concerning fronts.

Think of it as higher the pressure the bigger the weight on the fish and more sluggish they act. As pressure falls for approaching fronts they become more active. That is why its mostly better all the way up until the front hits because after it passes pressure will be going back up.

You can counter this by fish deeper where more water is between the fish and surface. They won't be affected by the change as much as shallow water fish. Also fish in rivers or moving water will not be affected as much either as stillwater fish.

[jad2t]

I've always had back luck immediately after a cold snap no matter where I'm fishing. I've learned my lesson as tempting as it may be to get out in the nice, cooler weather. I always wait a few days after a cold front to go fishing.

[nomad60]

I've always had my best luck just before a front or as it is passing through and I've had my worst fishing days right after a front when you get high pressure and bluebird skies. That was fishing mostly still, shallower water from shore.

[jaystaler88]

Post-front can be really tough, depending on the intensity of the front and the temperature change.

Some of my best fishing trips have been pre-front in the dog days of summer, where the bite really picks up right up and through the rain, and seems to drop off right after.

If you see a storm coming through and don't mind getting a little wet, I would suggest trying to get out in front of it and be prepared to leave once it sets in, as waving a 6.5 foot long graphite rod in with lightning flashing around is never a good idea.

[Pookie]

I have plans to go to Center Hill tomorrow & Thursday, but I don't hold much optimism. Hunting is the same way you have described above. Always activity before a front, not so much afterwards.

[Travis C.]

You'll just need to downsize the bait and slow your presentation down. Post front bass fishing for me is along bluff walls on the channels or near the ends of long deep main lake points.

[whrizob]

Before and right after are both great times! The before seems to last longer! Of course that depends on the time of year! Spring time, after is dead. Summer after is good! And fall, well i like during! Winter im staying home! Lol! Before in the winter.

[whrizob]

Originally Posted by Pookie

Which is most successful?

Guys, honestly; the biggest mistake people make is worring too much about the cold fronts this time of year! Look a cold front in the spring can be devistating, you have cold water getting colder.

A cold front in the fall is opposite. You have warm water temps! When a cold front comes in, it can be a major one, the water usually only drops a couple degrees.

Think of it like this, if you take a cold glass of water and put it on the counter; does it get warm instinatly? No it does not, it slowly gets warmer.Thats no different with this water temp, it doesnt get cold all at once.

Whats this mean? Possibably the best fishing you have had all year. Some of the first major cold fronts of the year in the fall can and will actually turn the bass into biting like crazy. In a big way. We as people worry more about the cold weather then the fish this time of year. We shouldnt, cold fronts bring low pressure systems. That in itself will cause them to feed.

The water is still warm, the fish still have to feed alot to get ready for winter. Just dress warm and have the best time on the lake in this cold front, cause the fish will be bitting.

As far as Center Hill, just fish the creeks. Big creeks! Largemouth are in the backs and big spots are on creek channel points. Through buzzbaits, spooks, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs. Have fun!

[rsimms]

Go fishing anytime you can!!!

Just understand that in general, you'll catch more "before" a front... but that doesn't mean you can't catch 'em after.

[StriperFan]

Time of year and intensity make a difference to how I think of a front. Cold fronts from late fall to spring I think are more active before the front with possible lockjaw afterwards. Anytime the weather is warm I will fish straight through the front with active fish before, during, and after. During a summer storm is when I like to troll under the big motor power. When the wind starts howling and you can barely stay on course, predators will be active.

[tsuggs]

You sure as hell cant catch em on the couch watchin football! Trust me Ive tried it, doesnt work.

[Pookie]

Yesterday was a great day. 1-3 & 1/2 lb smallmouth, 7 Kentuckys, 1 crappie.

Today - 2 small ones. Nothing to keep.