How much does an incoming thunderstorm/barometric pressure impact river fishing?

[Ohioguy25]

My dad and I were tearing it up yesterday when suddenly the bite dropped off hard. It was still nice out so we couldn’t figure it out, but sure enough later that night it stormed pretty bad. Could this be the reason? How do the fish sense this and why do they stop feeding, do they go deep to avoid being washed away?

[The Bassman]

I remember smallies going crazy just before a storm. Had to discipline myself to get out of the creek. I'm not convinced it had anything to do with barometric pressure. The time frame you mentioned was probably unrelated to your bite dropping off. Sometimes only the fish know.

[Sam]

Studies have shown that largemouth bass will start to feed right before and during a storm as the barometric pressure drops, and then stop feeding when the storm passes.

 

This is why the term "blue bird skies" refers to the bass no longer feeding after a storm has passed.

 

There are many articles that discuss the impact of barometric pressure on largemouth bass so please Google the subject and see what you can find.

 

I have no data on the impact of barometric pressure on smallmouth bass, but I would think it would parallel that of the largemouth bass in the same situation.

[Spankey]

Some of my best times on the river was when storm sky was building and rain starts to a steady rain. I pull the plug prior to anything hazardous arrives. 

[Tatsu Dave]

Same as above posts, just before and into a storm can be crazy good bite that switches off like a light. I've also watched it look like its getting ready to storm w/ wind and clouds and then pass over and brighten up, one of my all time best hours fishing was during the impending storm action that never happened. 

[soflabasser]

I have caught lots of nice fish before, during, and right after a big storm.