All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Using Lake Maps To Find Fish

Fishing maps can help us locate specific areas and general sections of the lake that fit the conditions of the season. Learn to read topographical maps for a better understanding of the lake you plan to fish. Locate river channels, creek channels, flats, road beds, islands, humps and other structural elements that may be keys to finding bass.

3 Most Important Factors About Fishing Maps

Maps identify the areas most appealing to bass.
You can find out where the natural river channel runs through a lake.
You can determine areas with depths ideal for the current season.

Locate potential areas for the current season

Based on the season you are fishing, you should be able to identify areas of the lake which are most likely to hold bass at this particular time of year. Look for places with appropriate depth that is near deeper water. This is always a good place to start your search.

River channels and adjoining creek channels can be major keys to finding bass. Major coves with creek channels are often more productive than coves simply created by the lay of the land. Drop offs into these channels or other vertical drops near the desired depth can be primary target areas.

Once you determine the depth where bass are currently being caught, look for areas of this depth near structural elements. Mark the map with a highlight marker for easy identification once you are on the water.

Make notes on the map where you catch bass, identified with dates, for future reference. Then you will know areas to start next year during this same season.

Using GPS

A GPS is a great way to mark places you’ve found and caught bass. Every GPS does this differently, so follow instructions that came with your unit. We recommend that you name the location in a way that will help you in future years. Name the location something like Spring09-35ft-ledge. That way you know when to use this spot in the future based on how deep the fish are, as well as what type of structure is holding bass today.

Mapping options are available on most GPS units. If your budget allows, this is a good option for bass anglers as you can follow channels and locate structure right from the GPS unit.