Unsettled weather is a hallmark of spring in Ohio, a phenomenon that runs in lockstep with the fishing here.

Whether you chase walleyes, bass or crappies, your fortunes almost always swing on the weather.

Generally speaking, warm and sunny days put most of our popular species in the mood to feed in advance of spawning, while the transition from good weather to bad often ignites the bite while stalling the spawn.

Everybody loves to pack their gear and head to the lake when the forecast is for sunshine and a warm breeze. The fishing probably will be good, but just getting outside to enjoy the sights and smells often is enough to lure us toward the lake.

The best fishing, however, often happens when the front line of nasty weather is barreling our way. Days of stable air pressure and puffy white clouds surrender to an overcast sky, stiffening wind and falling barometer. Fish, and other wildlife, sense the incoming weather and focus on eating while the getting is good.

Anglers experienced in fishing during the transition from good weather to rain, snow and even stormy conditions can share tales of fast action and big limits.

One of my best days ever on Mosquito Lake happened on April 23 a few years ago when fishing buddy Steve Zarbaugh and I launched my boat at the state park just a few minutes before snow flurries started dimpling the water.

Determined to take advantage of our free Saturday, we forged ahead despite the snow. We picked a shoreline with lots of toppled hardwoods, willows and buck brush as targets for our pitched baits.

The action started soon after our first casts. Soon, however, the pace of the snowfall quickened and the flakes started to accumulate on the boat’s deck. Two inches of snow fell over Mosquito while we were fishing, but the largemouth bass never wavered in gobbling our lures.

We boated 20 or 25 fish that afternoon and drove home happy that we decided to brave the weather. Later that night, the Youngstown-Warren region was blanketed with 4 more inches of snow that fell out of the front that advanced over us that afternoon.

I have had similar experiences with spring storm front walleyes and crappies. While we know the walleyes will reward us as we drag our jigs-and-crawlers over the emerging coontail in April and the crappies will cooperate in the shallow willows, the truly fantastic fishing often comes as the clouds roll in.

In this day of sophisticated sonar, high-tech rods and reels, and super-sensitive fluorocarbon lines, our best fishing tool is in our pockets. Grab your smartphone, open your weather app and check for changing weather forecasts next week.

As this was written, my Weather Channel app forecast a rainy front advancing over NE Ohio Tuesday with Wednesday becoming considerably cooler than Tuesday.

Whether for walleyes, bass or crappies, Tuesday is my pick for the best fishing next week. If you have fishing in your plans, pack your rain suit and go to the lake Tuesday.

Let me know how you fared.

Jack Wollitz is the author of “The Common Angler,” a book featuring stories about experiences that help define the “why” behind anglers’ passion for fishing. Email Jack at jackbbaass@gmail.com.