Tips for Fishing an Unfamiliar Lake

When approaching a new lake, it's always a good idea to have a plan. Maps and lake reports are handy, but they aren't always accurate and may not be the only thing you need. Sometimes you need that keen eye of an experienced angler to see the opportunities. Or just learn what that keen-eyed angler is looking for and duplicate.

Sometimes you may get lucky and find someone on the docks willing to give up some secrets. Older anglers are usually more than happy to pass on some of their tips, favorite tricks and spots.

I always use a system of gathered information. Here are a few tips to help your overall success on a new lake.

• As I have said before, keep it simple. The most basic fishing techniques work the same on most all lakes. They have done so in the past for a reason. If it works on one lake, chances are it will on others.

• Structure! Structure! Structure! Look for docks, standing timer, weeds and lily pads. Anything that creates shelter and camouflage for the fish is a good spot. Bass, especially largemouth are ambush hunters.

• Confidence can be a great fishing tool to have in your tackle box also. If you go out to the lake with the mindset that you're not going to catch a fish, your chances of catching a fish are going diminish greatly. Throw that lure like you're a pro on the biggest tour of your life and before you know it, your catching fish like a pro.

• The shallows near a drop off or channel are always a good place to catch fish. The Bass species, which include the Sunfish and Bluegill, like to have that abrupt transition.

• If you're trying to catch a specific species find out what kind of habitat they require and look for it on the lake.

• The time of year has a lot to do with how the fish will bite. Two things make a major impact on what the fish are doing and how they will react: cold water and warm water. Cold water; slow your roll, Warm water; speed it up a bit.

• Don't just throw your favorite lure because you like how fish strike it, or it happens to be your favorite color. Check the condition of the water. Is it clear or muddy? Is it cold or warm? Is the level rising or falling? Believe me, water conditions matter.

• As always, the local tackle shop is a great place for information. However, sometimes it's hard to get good advice right before a big tournament. The person running the shop may fall into a rut and answer everybody the same, "Well so-and-so creek can be good this time of the year." or "The fish have really been biting on this (Insert product here), which is on sale today." Knowing when to ask the local tackle shop also comes with experience.

Water clarity is something else that will be a factor in going to a new lake. If you cannot see what is under the surface, it's pretty hard to determine what to throw. If the water is muddy, throw out a nice dark color (I'm not a favorite of black or blue however, other are). Bladed Spinners are always a good way to "feel-out" the water. Something weed-less or snag-free well works in "testing out the waters" also.

My fishing buddy likes to go to a different lake each time we go fishing, which can be a bit difficult when you're strapped for time or cash. However, experience comes from doing and the more lakes and ponds you can throw your lures into, the better.

Well I do hope I have helped someone and just remember, on those rainy or bad days, do some research, ‘cause like the old saying goes, "Knowledge is Power".

And as always, keep happy thoughts and good fishin' to you.

Chris Curley lives in Nashville, IN. with his dog Piranah.