Good Local Fishing Spots
By Andy Whitcomb
Nov 23, 2016
You may be surprised to discover that some good local fishing spots may be closer than you think.
You may be surprised to discover that some good local fishing spots may be closer than you think.
When was the last time you opened a road map? There’re probably some blue areas nearby that you haven’t explored. Or have you tried our fish and boat map Not only will it help you locate bodies of water but you can find points of interest like boat ramps, marinas, and bait shops. Next time you drive back from work or the store, keep your eyes open for fishing spots. I’ll bet there is a pond or an access point on the river you’ve overlooked.
When you do find a new local spot, where and how do you start fishing?
In fall, I generally like to start shallow and slowly work deeper. Fish are still active along the warmer shorelines and may follow baitfish such as shad, well up into the feeder creeks. Begin with any visible structure like a dock or fallen tree to see if you can be the ball rolling.
Because this is new water, I may proceed with caution and work weedless presentations of soft plastics until I get a better handle on the various obstacles which may lurk below. A lure like a spinnerbait also is a great lure for covering water and locating active fish without snagging brush and vegetation.
Additionally, start thinking about a slower presentation. In warmer water, a bass will actively go pick up a rubber worm just lying on the bottom motionless. The colder it gets, the more you really have to get in front of the fish’s nose and force them to make a decision.
Fall fishing pressure often is reduced in many areas. Fair weather anglers who would rather not even put on a coat are missing some great action. Pay attention to weather patterns, as this time of year the bite can be very hit-and-miss. I prefer a little bit of wind and clouds over calm conditions and bright, “bluebird” skies. Wind seems to keep fish active.
And even though it is late in the year, make sure your fishing license is up-to-date before trying your new local fishing spot.
When was the last time you opened a road map? There’re probably some blue areas nearby that you haven’t explored. Or have you tried our fish and boat map Not only will it help you locate bodies of water but you can find points of interest like boat ramps, marinas, and bait shops. Next time you drive back from work or the store, keep your eyes open for fishing spots. I’ll bet there is a pond or an access point on the river you’ve overlooked.
When you do find a new local spot, where and how do you start fishing?
In fall, I generally like to start shallow and slowly work deeper. Fish are still active along the warmer shorelines and may follow baitfish such as shad, well up into the feeder creeks. Begin with any visible structure like a dock or fallen tree to see if you can be the ball rolling.
Because this is new water, I may proceed with caution and work weedless presentations of soft plastics until I get a better handle on the various obstacles which may lurk below. A lure like a spinnerbait also is a great lure for covering water and locating active fish without snagging brush and vegetation.
Additionally, start thinking about a slower presentation. In warmer water, a bass will actively go pick up a rubber worm just lying on the bottom motionless. The colder it gets, the more you really have to get in front of the fish’s nose and force them to make a decision.
Fall fishing pressure often is reduced in many areas. Fair weather anglers who would rather not even put on a coat are missing some great action. Pay attention to weather patterns, as this time of year the bite can be very hit-and-miss. I prefer a little bit of wind and clouds over calm conditions and bright, “bluebird” skies. Wind seems to keep fish active.
And even though it is late in the year, make sure your fishing license is up-to-date before trying your new local fishing spot.
Andy is an outdoor writer (http://www.justkeepreeling.com/) and stressed-out Dad has contributed over 380 blogs to takemefishing.org since 2011. Born in Florida, but raised on banks of Oklahoma farm ponds, he now chases pike, smallmouth bass, and steelhead in Pennsylvania. After earning a B.S. in Zoology from OSU, he worked in fish hatcheries and as a fisheries research technician at OSU, Iowa State, and Michigan State.
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