How to Choose the Lake or River To Fish 2023

How to Choose the Lake or River To Fish, Not every body of water is suited for canoe fishing.  Large deep clear lakes call for live bait fishing at great depths in water that is often choppy – you won’t fare well with a canoe in this situation. Also, fast-moving rivers icy cold with spring runoff is no place for a canoe, simply for safety’s sake. There are a lot of bodies of water that are fished well from a canoe – these are outlined below.

The Moderate Size Shallow RiverFor smallmouth bass and pike fishing, choose a river that has plenty of rocks, light rapids, and twists and turns. Rocks are nearly a guarantee of fish action since the smallmouth’s favorite prey, the crawfish makes their home in the rocks. Also, choose a river that you can paddle upstream or easily drag or portage your canoe up against and over rapids. Kenai River Fish Counts: Latest Data and Analysis 

In my section on River Fishing for Bass, I explain how you fish up a river rather than down. In my experience, fishing low water can produce some of the best smallmouth bass fishing whereas moderate water levels tend to produce pike.  I would avoid high water situations altogether – you can’t control your canoe well, the water is extremely turbid, and it’s just plain dangerous!

For trout fishing, choose a large enough river to float a canoe. Also, make sure you can paddle both up and down the river.  You will want to fish up the river rather than down. This must be a river big enough to cast a lure at least 30 feet to the wary trout. 

The Small to Moderate Sized LakeHere’s the problem with very small lakes: 3 people can just about fish the lake out if they put their mind to it.  Here is the solution: Pick lakes that are connected by rivers or streams to other larger lakes or rivers.  Actually, an oxbow off of a larger river will serve as a “lunch room” for the game fish that cruise the river.  Best Fishing Line for Carp

The largest pike I ever caught was caught on a lake only a few acres big, but the lake was connected by stream to a much larger lake. You will not want a lake that is crystal clear to depths of 20 feet, but rather pick a lake with clarity down from 2 to 10 feet.  Try to find lakes that are mostly from 8 to 20 feet in depth so that you can get the bait down to where the fish is.   

The Larger Lake or FlowageThe larger lake is not necessarily off-limits to a canoe.  You simply must choose a lake that has plenty of sheltered bays and islands.  Avoid long narrow lakes with several miles of open water such as the one a friend and I never thought we would get off of alive.
  
The lake above is a sample of a lake that would have a shape conducive to canoe fishing. Again, pick a lake that is neither too clear nor too deep. First time on the lake? – Troll the entire lake shore at least twice.  After several times, you will quickly find the best spots.

Understanding Different Types of Water Bodies

When selecting a lake or river to fish, it’s significant to understand the different types of water bodies. Per type of water, the body has its own individual features that can affect the kind of fish that live there and the fishing adventure.

Lakes

Lakes are large bodies of water that are enclosed by land. They can be freshwater or saltwater and can vary greatly in size and depth. Some lakes are natural, while others are man-made.

When fishing in a lake, it’s significant to pay attention to the depth and design of the lake. Different types of fish prefer different depths and structures, such as rocky locations or weed beds. It’s also necessary to pay awareness to the time of day and weather situations, as these can affect the feeding habits of the fish.

Rivers

Rivers are bodies of water that flow in a certain direction. They can be freshwater or saltwater and can vary greatly in size and speed. Some rivers are narrow & shallow, while others are wide and deep.

When fishing in a river, it’s necessary to pay attention to the current and the design of the river. Different types of fish prefer different currents and systems, such as eddies or deep pools. It’s also important to pay awareness to the time of day and weather requirements, as these can affect the feeding habits of the fish.

Streams

Streams are small, narrow bodies of water that flow into rivers. They can be freshwater or saltwater and are generally external and fast-moving.

When fishing in a stream, it’s important to pay awareness to the design of the stream. Different types of fish prefer different forms, such as riffles or deep pools. It’s also important to pay attention to the time of day and weather conditions, as these can affect the feeding patterns of the fish.

Ponds

Ponds are small bodies of water that are usually man-made. They can be freshwater or saltwater and are generally shallow.

When fishing in a pond, it’s important to pay attention to the deep and structure of the pond. Further types of fish prefer various depths and designs, such as weed beds or rocky areas. It’s also important to pay awareness to the period of day and weather conditions, as these can affect the feeding patterns of the fish.