Fish are directly influenced by weather. Bright sunlight can bother fish, driving them into shaded or deeper water. Fish prefer some cloud cover or haze. On cloudy days, they are likely to be more active over wider area of water and will travel farther to attack a lure or bait.

Wind can drive baitfish or insects to the downwind side of a lake, and gamefish usually follow. Extreme wind can make fishing difficult or dangerous.

Another weather pattern that can affect your fishing success is barometric pressure. Fish are more active during periods of low pressure and less active during periods of high pressure. Check your Premium Weather service for information.

You can get an idea of the current barometric pressure just by walking outside. If it's hot and muggy with very few clouds, it's a high-pressure period and the fish will be less active. If it's getting colder, clouds are moving in, or it's starting to rain, it's a low-pressure period and fish will probably be more active.

What if you've scheduled a day of fishing on a bright, hot day? Try inactive fish techniques first, including slower retrieves, natural or subdued colors, and/or smaller baits. On colder, cloudier days, try active-fish techniques such as using a faster retrieve, brighter colored lures or larger baits. And, of course, be ready to try something else if your first try doesn't work.