Finding new areas to fish

[flyfisher45]

How does everyone find new areas to fish? Do you go by word of mouth, check out topographical maps? Just drive around?

 

[flytyer_neal]

I have used google maps alot.....plus in my line of work I drive past 4 major rivers (Eagle, Colorado, Frying pan, Roaring Fork) always watching for new access

 

[yatahey]

In my younger days I used Topo maps to find areas that had interesting looking water. I would also take into consideration the relationship of the lakes/mountains to the sun for my other passion, photography.
During the 10 years I was in Search & Rescue I found several great waters in the Sange de Cristo, Wet, and Gore mountain ranges on SAR missions.
Now in my lazy older days, I pick brains and join fishers from the boards I visit to explore new waters that others are willing to share. :fishing:

 

[Rip Tide]

I've bought maps at fly shops and asked... "hey, where should I go?"
That works really well
Locally, I just drive around and look. Winter is a great time for scouting
The google maps is good for non-forested areas (like the beach), you can even see where to park.

.... and when all else fails...MassWildlife - Trout Stocked Waters

 

[troutdoorsman]

I use topo maps, google earth, books, word of mouth and driving around. All have worked for me in finding new waters.

 

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Everyone,

Tropo maps are great to scope out waters that you know have some good fishing. But, looking for new water takes a very good relation with you local fly shop and Fish Biologist. Go to your fly shop a lot and get to know the owners and workers. Buy from them frequently. Give them reports on how you have been doing and what you have been using. Then when you start looking for new waters the fly shop will have a lot of information in return. If they pull out a map and show you some places, buy the map. After a trip to the place they suggested let them know how you did. Remember that Fly Shops need you to succeed or they will go out of business. It has been my experience that new fly fishers that don't catch any fish will not stick with it very long. The fly shops know that.

The same goes for the local Fish and Game office that is closest to you. Meet the Fish Biologist and even take him to lunch if he will go. You would be surprised what you can learn over lunch. The Fish and Game office will have maps and know where fish are being planted if you want to know that.

Another good source of information is a local fly club. If you are active in the club you will know about new water. Most clubs have outings where you go fishing as a club. This gives you more new water. The other members are a good source of information if you listen to what they are talking about.

Also try Guide Books. If you want to fish out West and you are from the East, get a guide book about the area. Some of the books are very good and sometimes I am surprised how accurate the information is.

Now don't expect anyone to give you there honey hole but they will give you general information about the water. Sometimes it is enough to state you would like to fish that stream, river or lake and ask about access or where is a good place to park.

So just use a little imagination and you may be surprised how much you learn about new water.

Frank

 

[mcnerney]

Another approach I have done in the past is to buy the book Flyfishers Guide to (the state you live in). That usually offers some very good information on locations and species to expect to find.
Here is one for northern CA:
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=flyfishers+guide+to+california]Amazon.com: flyfishers guide to california: Books[/ame]

Larry

 

[SperryWater]

I'm a Google Earth / Google Maps junkie and use both to locate new streams to fish. I recently published my collection of maps on my blog Fly Fishing Reporter. The Google Maps version is available from the Trip Planner page, and the Google Earth version is available on the Map page.

I am collaborating with a number of folks to map streams across the US so it is a work in progress.

I'd be interested in any feedback. Enjoy!

 

[HuronRiverDan]

Larry's idea is a good one, buy a flyfishers guide to your home state. If you're planning a trip out of state those guides can be a good start for you also. It can give you information on flyshops in the area you will be visiting. Contact those shops and get to know them through some e-mails or phone calls. Tell them when you are planning to be in their area and ask for advice. Don't forget to spend some money in the shop when you get there...

Dan

 

[peregrines]

Since you're in MA, by "new" you probably mean new to you-- as opposed to wild and relatively undiscovered--- unless you're interested in doing some backpacking and bushwhacking.

The best way if you're new to fly fishing is to join a club like a local TU Chapter. They often have group trips to local waters as well as long weekend type trips to water further away. It's a good way to hit some new places, as well as get some informal coaching from more experienced folks.

Your state's (and nearby NE states and NY) Fish and Game websites have tons of info -- look for information like 'places to fish", stocking reports, streams with Catch and Release areas, wild trout management areas, public fishing access, listings of lakes with contour maps or "types of fish present", and the regulations section. Named bodies of water in the regs might be worth checking out if there are special regs for them.

The state fly fishing guides are great, and google is you friend-- if you google "whatever state" and "hatch charts" for example

Google earth, Topo Maps and Delorme state/county street maps can also help you scope out new areas. Take a look at some of the better known streams and see if you can identify tributaries that might be worth checking out.

Also make it a point to check out new areas of places you fish now--- further up/down stream, up tributaries etc.

I wouldn't just drive around hoping to find some new water---- but it couldn't hurt to always have a rod and some gear tucked away in the car/truck in case you find some by accident...

mark

 

[fish_gypsy]

If I'm going to fish a new place nearby, it's typically due to word of mouth and/or checking out topo/DeLorme maps.

If I'm going out of state, I typically start with a google search to see what's available. Then I'll pick up some flyfishing guidebooks, read them, and figure out what piques my interest. From there I grab a DeLorme atlas of the state and check out the accesses, towns, etc for the places I'm interested in. Then I'll go back to Google Earth and try and find local fly shops, guides, hotels/campgrounds, canoe liveries, etc.

 

[flyfishnflowers]

The newer search engine from Microsoft, Bing, in it's Maps section has an interesting Bird's Eye View feature. It's like satellite view on Google Earth, but from a much lower altitude and at an angle so you can see paths through the woods to the water or what's on the shore or which side of the water is shallowest, etc. It's not available in all areas, but a pretty good amount of places are. I usually check out places on there if they're available before I go.

 

[MoscaPescador]

If I'm going to fish a new place nearby, it's typically due to word of mouth and/or checking out topo/DeLorme maps.

I have written all over my Delorme mapbook. I dread losing it as much as I dread losing my fly boxes.

MP

 

[fish_gypsy]

I have written all over my Delorme mapbook. I dread losing it as much as I dread losing my fly boxes.

MP

I bought some of those clear plastic overhead projector pages, non-permanent double-sided tape, and fine Sharpie markers. I can mark on the clear plastic without maps without marring the maps, and it's easier for me to read. Usually just write down fishing accesses, decent restaurants, flyshops, motels and such in the area. It works.

 

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Everyone,

I also use Bing and like it much better than Google Earth. In fact I deleted Google Earth after using Bing for a while. It not only has the Birds Eye View tool but it also has a 3D tool. You can look at a location and in 3D mode you can swing down and look at it from a near horizontal view. The 3D view gives a good idea of the gradient. Check it out and see if your area is covered. The Bird's Eye View and 3D is only available in certain areas. Usually if a highway is near by it will be covered.

Frank

 

[Jer]

I absolutely agree Frank , Bing is awesome.
Personally for me , I grew up fishing with lures and what not so being new to fly fishing I have begun to go back over all the areas I have been before but never fly fishing.. I live in Oregon and there are tons of streams and rivers everywhere.. I go about it several different ways always word of mouth is great.. To tell you the truth my absolute favorite is I have caught myself every time I go anywhere ie.. friends family etc.. I am always looking around when I am driving and if I see a body of water I tell myself that looks good .. Then on a day I have no obligations I just hop in the car head to that area and then try and find some locals to ask questions..

Some of my favorite times fishing I didnt catch any fish , I just hopped into a car and headed to a river I had never been to before walked up and down it and just enjoyed being there.. But if any of you have any secret spots in Oregon now is your time to tell me , hahaha

Jer

 

[Jimmie]

It's got to be 100% word of mouth for me. Talking with friends, fly shops, club members, a guy I met on the river, put me on all the water I fished last year.
The next source would be fishing some of the water I've seen on DVD's. I haven't done it yet.