There are many factors that attribute to success when fishing. One of the most important element is to understand how to read the waters. In other words, being able to determine the most likely places you will find fish. With modern technology such as the Internet and weather channels, it makes it easier for us to forecast and predict fish behavior patterns. This principle can be applied for majority of freshwater specimens.

1 – Starting Approach

Every freshwater angler would either be fishing in lakes, ponds, rivers or creeks.

Let’s review how each of these situations can be approached.

Lakes and Ponds  

Lakes and Ponds are both similar in that they are body of still water.  Here are some tips for success:

• Locate spots where there is cover such as weeds, fallen trees and rocks. Fish are likely to stick around areas where they feel safe for prey species and predators for ambushing them.
• Areas where depth changes quickly. These are parts of the water where the edges of shallow water and deep water meets, between fast and slow water or between cover and open water. This allow for food to be delivered to the fish much easier.

Rivers and Creeks

Rivers and creeks offer a different element in which there are water currents. However, the principles are similar applied to Lakes and Ponds. Fish will be held in slower water close to the fast moving water. This will allow the fish to easily access their food source.  Here are some tips for success:

• Locate areas that offer cover such as rocks, debris etc.,
• Identify lines of bubbles in the water, which will give you indication of where the slower and faster water meets.

General Rule of Thumb

Here are a few other basic rules that can increase your chances of landing the fish you want.

• Fish will likely move up with the water so cast your line in that same direction
• Know about the fish you want to catch, some of these rules may or may not apply to the fish you want. For example, bass is sensitive are sensitive to water change while others may not be.
• Based on various factors, the type of baits & lures should be taken into consideration. For example, when to use top water baits and the type of color plays a factor as well.

2 – Water Levels

When water levels are rising, fish are likely to be closer to the banks and in groups near grass and other form of cover. You may have more success fishing shallower areas near the banks. If the water levels are falling, fish would be likely to be in deeper pockets away from the banks and areas where there is cover. This is only because the baits would need to feed and follow the same patterns. Here are some useful tips when evaluating water levels:

• Pay attention to the water line stains.
  • If debris are floating near by. You know that the water levels are low. Things are floating away from the banks
  • If you notice the water is pushing up against the bank, then the water levels are high.