What do you do your first time on a lake?

[Rdrunner]

One thing I do this time of year is to pay close attention to shad being pushed up to the surface and if it continues in the same place more than likely there will be a brush pile or some type of structure there.Iv'e found a lot of good spots doing this.Not much more to add chaunc is dead on with his reply.

[Badgerloader]

First, get a map and mark likely spots. Next, launch my boat and go fishing.

[Badgerloader]

First, get a map and mark likely spots. Next, launch my boat and go fishing.

[BuckeyeKdog]

Find Structure. Depth changes, rocks, trees, clam/oyster beds, weed beds, visible timber is good. A few days ago a buddy and I were fishing a lake that neither of us had fished in 20 + years and we took off at idle and watched the depth finder. Low and behold in the middle of the lake there is a spot 12-15 feet wide 150 yards long where water drops to 28' from 5-6 feet on both sides and yes it was fully of cooperative fishes. We did a lot of C&R bass, crappie, saugeye, white bass, catfish and a carp. The fish were suspended at 18 - 20 Feet. We found something that we had never heard of and had never seen anyone fishing there. An oddball feature in an otherwise 6' deep 100 acre flat.

[Tracker123]

The first thing I would do is check with the folks here in this forum, especially the state forums. In the past couple of years I have made a few out of state trips to unknown lakes in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, etc. just because. These folks here are excellent. Other than that, the advice stated are good tips.

[lshields]

One thing I do this time of year is to pay close attention to shad being pushed up to the surface and if it continues in the same place more than likely there will be a brush pile or some type of structure there.Iv'e found a lot of good spots doing this.Not much more to add chaunc is dead on with his reply.

Does this happen throughout the day or more towards dusk? I've been reading where the zooplankton (and therefore minnows and crappie) will move towards the surface as the sun is going down. Would seeing this at dusk be a good sign of where they've been suspending earlier in the day?

[kickingback]

I look it up on this forum and other websites. Then I scan a few areas first thing. Then I fish!!

[tcounty]

Wait for a local to put in, then follow the around all day lol

[ezfishn]

Go where the most boats are...LOL

[Rdrunner]

Does this happen throughout the day or more towards dusk? I've been reading where the zooplankton (and therefore minnows and crappie) will move towards the surface as the sun is going down. Would seeing this at dusk be a good sign of where they've been suspending earlier in the day?

You could find them anytime of day. Even more likely after the sun has come up and they are looking for cover they move to brush piles more. As stated by others you have to keep in mind that you get situations in some states that would be completely different in others. I personally like the main forum because of the vast knowledge available and you can learn something everyday that can help you put fish in the boat.