Does anyone believe it? On a lake I mean. Time has taught me to believe it. Last year was bad for crappie.
And the next 8 days calls for wind...

An east wind usually comes with a strong front, and strong fronts will definitely affect fishing. So it has has some merit, IMHO.

I've seen it over and over again. As the old saying goes, when the wind's from the eaxt, the fish bite the least.

Wind from the west, fish bite the best. Wind from the south opens a fish's mouth. Wind from the east, fish bite the least.

100%

And a wind from the north
No need to go forth

Gospel

Wind from NE or E, just stay home. SE can be ok. Strong NW after stable weather, stay home. Light NW give it a go. W, SW or S, better call in sick and go fishin'.

What's your excuse when you call off work?
I can't come to work because my arm is in a cast.

I agree

How about days with a variable wind?

That's OK, assuming light and variable.

wind Upstream on the big river
generally, not good.

yep!!! East wind brings moisture in my area. Might be drops or 2 inches but it does bring moisture.

My old buddy and mentor always used to say, “Ya can’t even bird watch on an east wind Shawny”.

His saying went:
Wind from the east, the fish bite least.
Wind from the west, the fish bite best.
Wind from the north, the fish don’t come forth.
Wind from the south, ya hook ‘em in the mouth.

Caught 14 walleye today in a stiff east wind below Grand Coulee dam!

Less people fishing on those days equals less pressure
I regularly limit out on walleyes on east winds. Quickly

That gives hope!