New Lake Contour Maps

January 30, 2009 by admin

By Chris Hustad

I’ve been around the Internet for a little over a decade now, and I’m still amazed how much information is becoming available for outdoorsmen and women. Everything I’ve learned about hunting and fishing has been through mentors, such as family and friends. I can’t say I know anyone who just picked it up on their own, someone had to lead them down the path of knowledge; the rest is up to you.
The same will especially hold true for the lakes, rivers, dams and ponds you’ve fished over the years. Think about the water you fish the most, how did you get started? More than likely someone showed you some spots, or at a minimum you were tipped on a lake where you spent your own time trying to understand.

The introduction of topo and/or contour maps has dramatically decreased the learning curve of new lakes and rivers. Before you even drop a line into the new water for the first time, you can map out exactly where to fish. By knowing what to look for in the map you can detect drop offs, sunken islands, deep holes and flats. Depending on where you live and where you fish, you may have already acquired these maps or maybe they’re not available yet. Things have now gotten easier here in North Dakota since the state has released a comprehensive list of contour maps…available free of charge.
Haven’t seen them yet? Well before you look further, make sure you have some time because you’ll probably find yourself viewing/printing/analyzing for hours like I did.
Link to maps index: