When fishing a new lake or body of water for the first time, what are some of the most beneficial things to do?

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As I figure you would know,:) get the best topographical map and study it well. Find where old river/creek channels swing close to shore, points or bluff walls. A lot will depend on the time of year and water temp. (spring, summer, fall, winter)
Also look for structure near or at these places (stumps, standing timber, grass, etc.) Off shore humps, islands are always worth looking at specially if cover is present.
You can also try looking on line for fishing reports on the lake, as well as trying to get the phone #'s of local bait stores.

This should give you a pretty good lay out of the lake, then its just a matter of trying to find the places that fit your strong techniques.

Weather and water temp will play a big role as well as all the above. Fronts, wind, clouds, etc. Pre-front has always been better for me than post front.

Good Luck, and nice to see you back on "A" again !...Show more

1.) Have some type of "game-plan" for the morning ,afternoon & evening. However, have the ability to change the "plan" according to what the Fish are reacting/telling you. (Example- Topwaters/Buzzbaits in the Morning. Flipping structure by noon. "Waking" Spinnerbaits by evening. ETC) Breaking the day up into "sections" ensures you try DIFFERENT techniques......

2.) Having and preparing a Map with marked locations is a must.

3.) All rods & reels "tuned and ready".

4.) Boat-gear & Misc tackle is stowed in it's proper place.

5.) Paying attention to everything and anything that looks out of the ordinary. Not JUST weird "structure", but bait hatches/insect hatches, reptile populations, any "strange" current direction, ETC.

Here's a weird trick I always do when fishing new water, (esp during tourneys). (if legal) I'll fish the area adjacent to the ramp!

Launching/trailering boats kick up a BUNCH of debris and possible injured baitfish/forage. People tend to "race off to another part of the Lake" to fish and ignore the area within sight of the ramp! What happens is, the "ramp fish" see far less lures than the "jungle fish", and are not as finicky about taking lures.

(You already know all this stuff....)...Show more

A lake map can help a lot to figure out where different depths and drop offs are. A local sporting goods store will have a book of maps or single maps for the lake you want to fish. Also, some states' department of national resources will post maps online. Other than that it depends on the fish you are targeting and the time of year. ...Show more

I know the county I live in if I'm going to a forest preserve lake or park pond they have depth charts and information on what it's in the lakes and some tips on how to catch those fish.

I like to take my time finding the right spot if no maps are available.I make note of watching where the older guys are fishing.The majority of the time they'll even help you if you strike up a conversation.I'm always glad to tell people what I know.

I always fish from shore so the second paragraph really only makes sense for others like me....Show more

Although not my forte, perhaps some of the things I do when I try
new water when fly fishing will translate

1) Talk to the locals, they know more than we do
2) If unsuccessful with # 1, fish structure: docks, brush pilings,
inlets, etc.
3) If using a fish finder, look for river channels and drop-offs
4) Don't be afraid, if what you're doing is not working, try something different
5) Don't be discouraged, make notes of what you did and where you fished, and next time try different places and techniques.

Tight Lines,
Pheasant Tail...Show more