Fishing spots in rivers and lakes

Fishing spots in rivers and lakes differ. In rivers, the goal of the fish is to conserve energy while waiting for food to drift by, and in lakes, the fish has to actively search for food. While fish like salmon and trout like the water to be a bit oxygen-rich and fast, other fish like perch and common roach like the water to be still and quiet.

• Rivers
  • Eddies and seam lines (where fast water meets slow water)
    Offers resting areas and brings food past fish. Trout sit on the slower side and grab food drifting past. Best for: dry flies, nymphs, small spoons, and spinners.
  • Deep pools
    Cooler, slower water—prime spots in summer and winter. Trout rest here, especially larger fish. Look at pool heads (entry) and pool tails (where flow speeds up). Best for: deep nymphing, streamers, bait (worms, salmon eggs).
  • Runs (smooth, medium-depth flowing water)
    A transition between riffles and pools. Perfect feeding lanes—often the most productive stretch. Best for: nymphs, dries during hatches, inline spinners, light jigs.
  • River bends
    Outer bend = deeper water and undercut banks where fish hide
  • Behind rocks, logs, or bridge pilings
    Current breaks let fish rest while waiting for food
  • Confluences (where two rivers/streams meet)
    Mixed currents bring oxygen and concentrated food
  • Undercut banks & overhanging vegetation
    Shade + cover = prime spots, especially in summer for protection from predators. Best for: drifting bait or casting streamers along the bank.
  • Inlets/creek mouths
    Cooler water, baitfish, insects, and nutrients enter here
  • Riffles (shallow, choppy water)
    High oxygen levels; great for trout. Trout hold near the bottom or along the edges. Best for: nymphs, wet flies, small spinners.
  • Tailwaters below dams
    Constant flow, oxygen, and bait—often excellent fishing.
  • Behind structure
    Logs, rocks, boulders, bridge pilings. Current break = energy savings + ambush point. Best for: swinging streamers, drifting nymphs, or bait.
• Lakes
  • Points
    Underwater points jutting into the lake attract baitfish and predators. Fish travel along point drop-offs. Good for pike.
  • Drop-offs / Ledges
    Where shallow water suddenly becomes deeper. Fish transition zones for feeding and temperature changes. Excellent all year, especially mornings and evenings.
  • Weed beds / Vegetation edges
    Vegetation provides shade, oxygen, and food. Fish the edges where weeds meet open water. Great for pike and perch.
  • Submerged structures
    Sunken logs, brush piles, rocks, old roadbeds, humps. Predator fish hide here to ambush prey. Use sonar or maps to locate.
  • Inlets / Outlets
    Water flowing in/out brings nutrients, oxygen, and cooler temps. High-activity areas, especially spring and fall. Trout often feed here.
  • Shallow bays
    Warm up faster and attract spawning baitfish and game fish. Great in spring and early summer. Under docks, marinas, and overhanging shade. Fish use shade for cover on bright days.
  • Mid-lake humps and flats
    Underwater islands or large flat plateaus. Lake trout love these areas.