Finding fish in a lake is all about observation and using what you see to put the right lure at the right depth and in the right spot. Fish generally hang out in schools. They will gravitate towards areas that meet their immediate needs: shelter, comfort and food.
Lakes will have a small amount of productive water and a large amount of unproductive water. Staying in the former will increase success. Fish will go deep when they are holding to get safety and comfort. When they are deep they will be hugging the bottom usually over rocks or gravel. They will avoid sandy bottom. This is usually along the banks or in the top 6-10' of water anywhere on the lake. The center of the lake productive is only productive when there is insect activity.
A depth finder will show bottom structure and many units will show individual fish and mark their depth. A good rule of thumb to use, if you do not have a depth finder is to troll parallel with the bank so you can see the bottom on one side of you boat and not on the other. Often times this is the perfect spot. It is the littoral zone and is usually in 6-10' of water often between the high and low water marks. If I had to choose one area to fish this would be it. Feeding fish will be found on the shallower side so focus your presentation there.
Fish are always wary of predators: birds, bigger fish and you. They will seek shelter to survive. It is rare to find fish hanging out in clear shallow water unless they are actively feeding. Their silhouette is visible to birds and anglers. Being out in the open they have no place to seek shelter if attacked by larger fish. Choppy water will make them more comfortable than calm water. They are no longer as visible from above the water. Reading the water conditions is a good start to finding fish. In calm water the fish will be either deep or under cover. Downed trees, rock piles and stumps all offer protection to the fish. They can hang out in a safe spot and ambush prey as they see it. Weed beds offer a protection and food to trout. This is an area they may abandon their natural protective instinct and search for food more freely. Some of these features are easily visible with the naked eye, others you will need a depth finder to see.
Polarized glasses are a huge benefit in searching for fish. Good glasses will eliminate surface glare letting you see into the water.
http://www.thefishinggeek.com/paddle-for-trout Paddling for Trout is a great reference for kayak and SUP anglers. For more info and reviews, products and more check out http://www.thefishinggeek.com The Fishing GeekLakes will have a small amount of productive water and a large amount of unproductive water. Staying in the former will increase success. Fish will go deep when they are holding to get safety and comfort. When they are deep they will be hugging the bottom usually over rocks or gravel. They will avoid sandy bottom. This is usually along the banks or in the top 6-10' of water anywhere on the lake. The center of the lake productive is only productive when there is insect activity.
A depth finder will show bottom structure and many units will show individual fish and mark their depth. A good rule of thumb to use, if you do not have a depth finder is to troll parallel with the bank so you can see the bottom on one side of you boat and not on the other. Often times this is the perfect spot. It is the littoral zone and is usually in 6-10' of water often between the high and low water marks. If I had to choose one area to fish this would be it. Feeding fish will be found on the shallower side so focus your presentation there.
Fish are always wary of predators: birds, bigger fish and you. They will seek shelter to survive. It is rare to find fish hanging out in clear shallow water unless they are actively feeding. Their silhouette is visible to birds and anglers. Being out in the open they have no place to seek shelter if attacked by larger fish. Choppy water will make them more comfortable than calm water. They are no longer as visible from above the water. Reading the water conditions is a good start to finding fish. In calm water the fish will be either deep or under cover. Downed trees, rock piles and stumps all offer protection to the fish. They can hang out in a safe spot and ambush prey as they see it. Weed beds offer a protection and food to trout. This is an area they may abandon their natural protective instinct and search for food more freely. Some of these features are easily visible with the naked eye, others you will need a depth finder to see.
Polarized glasses are a huge benefit in searching for fish. Good glasses will eliminate surface glare letting you see into the water.
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