Topographic Maps

Topographical maps not only identify the lay of the land but some of the best places to fish. Tributaries, bends, and drop-offs prime holding spots of fish and are clearly marked on most topographic maps. Roads are clearly marked to identify surface and undeveloped roads that drift-fishing anglers are sure to encounter. Knowing where to put in boats is a vital element to a good day of fishing. Surface features where there are severe gradients are those where fish are likely to hold at the bottom of; this information alone makes it worth the purchase of the map, but there is more. Topographical maps identify launches not listed on any other kind of map; these launches are manmade and natural and are great tools for scouting out holds when rivers run low or high. Trails are perfect for bank anglers who want to recon rivers that offer regular runs of fish forecasted by the region but left to individuals to find the best fishing spots.

The best topographical maps will have designated rivers and lakes located near the front of the booklet with species of fish that frequent each waterway; this is yet another reason that this type of map is indispensable when it comes to a recon.

Reputable Topographical Maps will have these elements:

Highways :

to streamline travel times, shortest distances between points, capable of fishing multiple systems on a single trip.

Back-roads :

show the best access points to water whether fishing fresh or saltwater systems.
Trails :

for hiking to the water where most anglers and boaters will not be able to access diminishing fishing competition.

Borders :

(Counties, Regions, and Territories) will be clearly marked so anglers can verify fishing regulations that will invariably where borders are concerned.

Rivers :

are clearly marked. Cross-reference them with roadways, trails, highways, and city streets to find the best fishing spots making access points to water easy to find.

Lakes :

are important to consider when fishing tributaries that feed into and out of them. Topographic maps will identify boat launches and parallel roadways for easiest access.

Bays, Coves, and Inlets :

are essential holds for many species of fish and will be clearly marked on almost all topographic maps.

Boat Launches :

are absolutely essential when considering fishing fresh or marine environments. Take time to verify how large and steep each launch is as some are poised on primitive roads where launching may become difficult of your boat is too large or wide for the ramp.

Species :

of Fish are found in some of the best topographical maps making it that much easier not only to find where you’d like to hit the water but also make it an important tool for designating fishing seasons for each area.

Parks :

often times have varied fishing regulations that absolutely must be adhered; in almost all cases game wardens will not forgive ignorance if you keep fish where waters may only be catch-and-release.

Elevations :

identify the slope of rivers and the severity of water currents. Observing elevations an angler can figure out where to start fishing and where to stop. Elevations and topographical maps are the meat and potatoes of figuring fishing trips and the available species with each season. Each month of the year will have varied volumes of water largely dependant on precipitation whether it’s snow, ice, or rain.

Terrain Types :

affect the amount of water flow and soil saturation rates; this translates into water conditions that could overflow banks causing flooding during spring, fall, and winter months.