Fishing Articles
Topographic Maps
Maps for finding roads, trails, parks, and put-ins
streamlining fishing trips and as a consequence you’ll spend less
time looking for “where” to fish and more time fighting
fish. A topographic map is a secret weapon for out-catching anyone who
doesn't have one.
Timothy Kusherets
This representation of a Topographic map, contribution
of
DeLorme Maps, has everything needed
to show anglers where, when, and how to get to some of the best fishing
spots. Trails, Rivers, and Roadways on these maps often times show access
points to water that cannot be found on any other type of map making
it an invaluable tool for any fisherman.
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.
 DeLorme
Topographic Maps
Maps and Charts for every region of United States (Paper and Electronic
Publications).
The Atlas of Canada
Instant online maps and charts for the entire country of Canada.
(Very Detailed map and terrain information
for all Provinces of Canada.)
 British
Towns and Villages Network
Maps, Relief Charts, and Topographic Charts of United Kingdom
© Timothy Kusherets 2008/09 Copyrighted
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