Where to Start Looking for Fish

Where do you start searching for fish?

We always try to get a detailed hydrographic map of the body of water we are going to fish. This will show all the underwater contours of the lake. We then look over it carefully for likely looking pieces of structure that might hold the fish we are looking for. This should only be used as a starting point however, as spots that look good on the map are sometimes not as good as their publicity. Also, if they look good to you, they'll probably look just as good to the other 500 fishermen with the same map!

There is no substitute for time on the water, looking spots over in person. Sometimes spots which look good on the map are a big disappointment when you actually get there. Sometimes, others which don't look so good, turn out to be fish factories. Used in conjunction with a detailed hydrographic map, a good quality sonar unit is invaluable. These units are often called fish finders, and while the better ones will show fish, they are more useful for finding the structure that fish like to live on. Any self-respecting fishermen should have a good quality sonar unit. They have really come down in price and a basic, decent unit can be had for $200-300.

If we can't find a map, we look at the surrounding land and look for clues as to what it might look like under the water. For example, if you see a point of land, chances are it will continue under the water. As it is different than its surrounding area, guess what? You got it....... it should hold fish.

If you see a bunch of reeds and/or lily pads, you know that the water is shallow. If you see a steep, rocky bluff where rocks have obviously broken off, you know that those pieces of rock are under the water and should hold fish. If you see two hillsides sloping down towards each other, chances are there is a river or feeder creek coming into the lake.

You can often see weedbeds just under the surface by wearing Polarized fishing sunglasses (which, by the way, you should always wear. See Fishing can be Hazardous to your Health). The water looks a different colour where the weeds are growing. Weeds provide all four of the basic driving forces and will therefore, hold fish.

If you are going to a lake you have never fished before, it sometimes pays to talk to the people in the local tackle store. It certainly won't cost you anything to ask. They can often help to at least point you in the right direction. A better bet, if you can afford it, is to hire a local guide. In order to make their living, they have to put people on fish. A good guide can shorten your learning curve dramatically as they know the lake and the fish movements. A guide should cost around $200 to $300 per day plus tips.

If it is early in the season, start with the types of areas, which the species you are looking for, use to spawn in. Walleye like windswept gravel or shale shorelines, points or shoals, or fast flowing water below dams or in rivers.

The fish will hang around these areas for a short time after spawning. There are usually other species spawning in the same area and so there is an abundant food supply. The bigger fish tend to leave first. They will start to move off into their summer haunts.

Here are some "Rule of Thumb" guidelines as to where fish are most likely going to be located throughout the season.

Largemouth Bass - click here for a detailed description.

Smallmouth Bass - click here for a detailed description.

Muskies - click here for a detailed description.

Pike - click here for a detailed description.

Walleye - click here for a detailed description.