{"id":6584,"date":"2019-02-17T00:25:52","date_gmt":"2019-02-17T00:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rangetoreel.com\/?p=6584"},"modified":"2019-02-17T00:25:54","modified_gmt":"2019-02-17T00:25:54","slug":"finding-fresh-water-fish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rangetoreel.com\/finding-fresh-water-fish\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding Fresh Water Fish: Lakes, Rivers, Ponds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

So you’re in a new town and have no idea where you should go fishing. You’ve found a new fishing hole that you’ve never fished before. Nobody around can help you fish it. So where do you start fishing? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you still figure out a lake without knowing anything about it? Of course<\/g> you can! By following these simple tips you’ll be fishing like a pro in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evaluate From The Bank<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Walk along the bank keeping an eye on the water. What’s the water clarity look like? Is it cloudy, muddy, tannic ETC? With low visibility fish aren’t feeding visually so you’ll need a little noise and flash. Clear water requires a slightly subtle approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for moss, lilypads,weedbeds and natural cover that offers a little bit of shade. Predators and baitfish alike will hide underneath natural cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to identify the baitfish and forage species. You should get a good idea of what lures you need to work and learn a lot about the water without even getting your line wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding Fresh Water Fish<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Doesn’t matter if you’re fishing a backwater mud pit or crystal clear spring your approach should be the same. Evaluate the water looking for clarity, temperature, forage species ETC and figure out a game plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After visiting a dozen or so lakes you’ll probably notice that different water calls for a new technique. What works in a small farm pond isn’t going to work in a rambling stream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll need different gear and more importantly a new mindset to fish different waterways. Great anglers need to be able to adapt to whatever situation they come up against regardless of the challenges in your way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evaluating Different Bodies of Water <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There’s<\/g> so many different bodies of water throughout the United States that it would be impossible to explain how to fish all of them. That being said, if you learn how to fish ponds, lakes\/reservoirs, rivers\/streams\/creaks you can cover most of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pond Fishing <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You can find natural and manmade ponds throughout the entire world. Fly over the country and you’ll see ponds in all shapes and sizes. Small manmade farm ponds, natural ponds and large ponds that look more like a small lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When properly cared for ponds can support and ton of fish. It’s all about how they’re maintained to support the local fish population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You’ll Find<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Who knows what you’ll find in a natural pond that self regulates. Throw a lure to find out. That’s the only way to know for sure. Natural ponds can offer some of the best or worst fishing experiences. Some natural ponds are honey pots, while others are nothing more than a glorified mud pit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stocked ponds on the other hand will almost always offer excellent fishing. A well managed pond will endure the heat of summer and avoid oxygen deprived fish kills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With proper maintenance ponds offer photo-worthy big fish perfect for eating. Most state records come from privately managed ponds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n