What is Ripplecast?
Ripplecast is a UK fishing weather tracker that combines real-time weather data with species-specific fishing conditions. It covers 73 freshwater locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The app shows current conditions, a 5-day forecast, tidal estimates, barometric pressure trends, bite time predictions, and a breakdown of which fish species are active at a given location.
Where the data comes from
- Current weather: fetched in real time when you select a location.
- 5-day forecast: hourly forecast data updated regularly.
- Tidal estimates: calculated from the location and current moon position. These are approximations only, so always verify with Admiralty EasyTide before fishing trips.
- Moon phase: calculated automatically based on today's date and location.
- Species and season data: researched and maintained based on EA close season rules and publicly available species guidance.
Scoring system
Each location displays two scores, shown in the conditions card:
- ☁️ Conditions score: rates the current weather for fishing in general. Takes into account wind speed, rainfall, air pressure, temperature, and cloud cover.
- 🎣 Fishing score: rates conditions for the specific species you have selected, or an average across all species in season at that location if none is chosen. Each species has different preferences for temperature, wind, and pressure which are factored in.
Both scores are expressed as a percentage and mapped to a label:
| Score | Label |
|---|
| 70-100 | Excellent |
| 50-69 | Good |
| 30-49 | Fair |
| 0-29 | Poor |
Species and closed seasons
Each location lists the fish species known to be present there, along with their best fishing months, typical size range, and recommended baits or methods.
Species that are currently in their close season (15 March - 15 June on rivers) are clearly flagged. Species with advisory restrictions, such as salmon during certain periods, are shown with a warning.
Always check current EA rules and any local fishery bylaws before fishing.
Bite times
Bite time predictions are based on the position of the moon. The idea is that fish tend to feed more actively at certain points in the lunar cycle, particularly when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot, and at moonrise and moonset.
Bite times are a guide, not a guarantee. Weather, water temperature, and local conditions all play a part.
Limitations
- Tidal data is estimated, so always check official tide tables before your trip.
- Species information is based on known populations at each location and may not reflect recent changes or local stocking.
- Scores are based on weather conditions only and do not account for water clarity, weed, or fishing pressure.
- Ripplecast covers freshwater locations only.
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