All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Cloudy Days Tactics

The presence of clouds can impact bass in several ways. The lower light conditions allow bass to feel more secure when they are shallow or even at mid depths in clear water. Clouds are also a result of changes in the weather, often associated with a front. It is the presence of moisture in the air that causes clouds to develop. This moisture acts as a filter to reduce UV rays penetrating the water.

3 Most Important Factors About Cloudy Conditions

Clouds block the sun and UV rays that bass avoid, allowing them to roam more freely away from cover.
Bass are more likely to chase a lure in open water when the sunlight is blocked.
Bass tend to feel more comfortable moving shallower when clouds are present.

3 Most Effective Fishing Methods & Lures

Flashy crankbaits and spinnerbaits.
Flukes, artificial worms and Senkos.
Virtually any top water bait.

Bass Anglers Love Cloudy Days.

In the vast majority of cases, clouds are a friend to the bass angler. The fishing is generally better on cloudy days than it is on bright, blue-sky days. Not only do the bass and bait move shallower, but the bass become more aggressive and will venture farther from cover to chase food. The impact clouds have on bass will vary depending on the season. Begin fishing the appropriate depth for the season, and if anything, move shallower because of the cloudy conditions.

At times, when the clouds are an integral part of a cold front moving through the area, the fishing may improve initially and then deteriorate as the cold front and pressure changes impact the area. So if a cold front is on the way, plan to be at the lake early rather than late.

All species of bait feel safer when it is cloudy and are not as wary of predators during these lower light conditions. They are likely to roam about in areas where bass are lurking.

Shallow Water On Cloudy Days.

When fishing shallow on cloudy days, be aware that bass will be more inclined to come out of cover to attack lures. Choose lures such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits and top water lures that attract reaction strikes. Typically you can fish the outsides of cover rather than trying to fish deep inside the cover.

Mid-depth To Deep Water On Cloudy Days

Water clarity is a major factor, the deeper you are fishing. In exceptionally clear water, the clouds may improve fishing in water up to 20 feet deep or more. In dirty water, the clouds may actually slow the fishing as visibility reduces on cloudy days. In dirty water, fish slower with brighter and noisy lures.