Ponds

Anywhere there is a pond; it could be a hidden hotspot for fish. The bottom line is, no matter how small the pond may be, it is only a matter of time until the fish find it. If you live near farmland, a great way to scout around for these hidden hotspots is to schedule a flight over the area and map out any bodies of water you may have missed.

Using Hay

If it is legal in your area, buy some spoiled hay from garden supply stores under the label mulch hay. Dump a few bales in the water. Grubs and insects will fall out, and will provide fish food to keep fish in your spot.

New Body Of Water

If you are going to start fishing a newly created body of water (like a reservoir), here are some things to keep in mind.

For the first 2 years, it will be very easy to catch the fish, though they will be smaller (t though about 50% larger in the second year). The 3rd year will prove more of a challenge, as the fish are larger and savvier. It is important to move around the lake and watch where the experienced anglers are getting action. Also keep tabs on where and when each species is feeding. Also, make a note of the moon phase when you record this information, so that you can refer to it during the same phase in following years.

You will probably discover that the bass feed best at dawn and dusk, bluegills during midmorning and midafternoon, crappies under lantern light at night, and white bass at high noon.

After this third year, these proven tactics will really start to pay off. For bass, remember to give a variety of offerings. Lay out one of each; plastic worm, overhead spinner, surface noisemaker, crankbait, and weedless spoon.

Old Lake, Never Fished Before

Fish in older lakes are very savvy because they have been approached by every trick in the book by experienced anglers. Largemouth bass, in these areas, have been shown to move as much as 10 miles in one day in search of food. To target them, troll some deep running lures that just nudge bottom cover.

Bluegills are much more relaxed, and stay around cover. However, crappies tend to roam just like the bass.

Keep on the lookout for moving bubbles it usually indicates bass feeding towards the bottom.

Charting Underwater Structure

Many fishermen would just love to strap on scuba gear and map out the underwater structures in their favorite body of water.

There is a method of doing this that will not require all the effort of getting diving gear, certifications, etc. Simply wait until the water level is at its lowest (usually during the spring and summer. If the water drop-off is in the double digit range, you will be able to stand on high ground and look over the areas that you fish.

Using a pencil and paper, sketch out every rock, stump, and drop-off. These structures and the bottom they rest on should be charted then when the water goes back up you wont have to guess what structure your locator has picked up.

Behind Waterfalls

Try fishing behind waterfalls. They naturally collect food behind, and this attracts small minnows and game fish. Bait is typically better than lures in these situations. Keep the bait there long enough to give fish a chance.

The Wind

You will do better in a lake or pond on the windward side. The wind will cause floating insects to collect at the end, and the wave action will churn up food form the bottom. At the least this will attract forage fish that will attract larger fish such as bass or pike.

Go To The Trees

Overhanging trees are sometimes bastions for fish. If you notice any of the following things about the tree you are considering, chances are you will get some bites:

Flowering trees insects will be abundant for the pollen, and will make their way into the water fish love this.

Defoliated tress indicate presence of moths, sawflies, and beetles (same idea as the above)

Trees cracked by lighting or winds provide housing for insects

Woodpeckers signal presence of insects

Cherry, horse chestnut, apple, dogwood, hawthorn, and catalpa usually have more insects.