Ways to Find Good Fishing Spots Near Me This Summer

Ways to Find Good Fishing Spots Near Me This Summer

Matthew Davies image of a person fishing from a boat at sunset

Of all outdoor activities, fishing can be one of the best ways to have fun and social distance at the same time. However, it’s crucial to practice responsible diversion by discovering multiple alternatives for great fishing and camping areas. So, if you are looking for an amazing way to social distance this summer while having a fun time doing so, Matthew Davies has the best way to do that.

You might be asking yourself, “Are the camping and fishing spots near me going to become busier?” The answer is that some places might be busier than usual because more people are spending some time outside than previously. Still, if you employ tips like those I have listed below to find “good fishing spots near me,” you’ll have more than a few options available for you and your family.

Tips & Tricks

1. Start by using the “Places to Fish and Boat” Map. This is an interactive map that can aid you in scouting out new local fishing areas by showing you where to fish and boat in your town. It can also create pre-trip research, which will make your trip more relaxed by using the map’s satellite perspective to find structure or topographical changes and help you find nearby boat ramps or camping spots. If all else fails, try calling a friend, neighbor, or family member who enjoys fishing. While the map is an excellent alternative, if you don’t have someone to call, it can be much better to talk to someone who has been to the location you plan on visiting.

2. Check the latest fishing reports on the internet or listen to local fishing reports on outdoor radio or tv shows. You might not find one of these on your regular broadcast or cable package. Updating to a sports channel or using satellite radio is the most natural solution to finding these channels. Additionally, fishing charter captains, guides, and avid anglers frequently offer weekly reports for local fishing lakes or waterways that could comprise which species are biting, the most productive locations, and which lures or baits to use. As I said above, nothing can quite compare to talking to someone that has been to the lake or stream that you are planning to visit. They can provide you with tips for the area that you just won’t acquire from an app.

3. If you would like to find prime saltwater inshore fishing spots, nautical or marine charts can be excellent sources. Charts can supply a lot of useful information such as construction, topographical changes, bottom features, points, and cuts. When exploring freshwater lakes and ponds, you can usually find a bathymetric map or chart that shows depth shapes and changes. This can be quite useful if you are looking for a specific type of fish. Since different species like different depths and temperatures, these maps can help you to pinpoint the species you are looking for.

4. Many of our national parks provide camping and fishing opportunities. If you are hunting for “great fishing spots near me” and “camping spots near me,” don’t forget to take into account some of those federal parks in your area. Remember, some national or federal parks may require a fishing license beyond what your regular license covers. You will be able to use the same license, but they charge an additional fee to stock the lakes for other fishermen. Also, be sure to check on advice from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities in addition to the NPS Public Health Service Officers before you make plans. Some federal parks and facilities may have inadvertently closed or altered hours because of COVID-19.

5. Your local Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website, for example, will have a list of top places for different species of fish that are broken down by area. Many state agencies release stocking programs for various waterways, which can provide a good idea of if the best fishing areas and times will be.

6. Find out which state or federal parks in your area provide boating, fishing, and local camping accessibility. A lot of state and national parks will offer amenities that you will be unable to find if you are just fishing a lake or stream in the woods. Be sure to check with each park individually regarding security updates throughout COVID-19 phased re-openings. More than a few parks have restricted hours, spaces, and conveniences. As part of the phased re-opening of restricted overnight lodging, measures may also be set up to reduce camping density. If they have too many people or you just don’t feel safe with the restrictions listed, opt for another location. Safety for yourself and your family should be your number one priority when it comes to going to a park.

7. To put it differently, do your due diligence. Sometimes the best way to find decent fishing spots is to spend some time on the water researching. It is possible to search online for “great fishing spots near me” or read articles about fishing in your regional area, but don’t forget that weather and other environmental influences (wind, water clarity, baitfish, and water temperature) can play a very huge role in successfully locating fish. Rarely, if ever, are the fishing locations responsible for a bad experience. Knowing when, where, and how you plan on fishing should be your focus.

8. Do not rule out small regional ponds, creeks, or rivers. As you may want to find bigger local lakes for boating, consider modest ponds and streams, which could be ideal spots for kids or beginners. These types of fishing spots may often be overlooked at campgrounds also, and keep you socially distanced from others. Remember that it can help if you do a little exploring.

Conclusion

I, Matthew Davies, suggest that you know as much as you can about the site you plan on going fishing at the end of the day. This can be done by observing the list above. I wish you the best of luck on your fishing trip and stay safe!

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