Search Tool for Locating Untapped Fisheries at IDOfishing.com

Thanks James and Mark for doing such a good job with this. It was a fun bite to be a part of.

I've had a few questions and PM's this morning about exactly how we went about finding this lake, and because we’re so limited by the time constraints of TV I really didn’t get to share everything I wanted to share regarding the search tools. Here’s some tips on how to use Contour Pro and what to look for as you’re sifting through DNR survey info.

Lakemaster Contour Pro as Homebase - See the first picture included as this is the first step while lake-hunting. Simply clicking on lake by lake, studying location, size, and general proximity of that lake to other lakes, population centers, etc. At this point, the software is a visualization tool.
DNR Survey Information - Pictures #2 and #3 highlight using the Contour Pro to find the DNR survey and then view it.
What to Look For - Surveys with stunted populations in any species are most readily determined for me by looking at the "Length of Selected Species Sampled for All Gear for the Selected Year" portion of the DNR Survey (picture #3). Imagine looking at the results of that table graphically (picture #4). What you want to see is obviously a larger size distribution overall, with the bars in that imaginary graph being higher and further to the right!
Access - Poorer and less access equals better and more in terms of fish size and numbers. Popular lakes near population centers along well traveled highways more often than not makes a quality population difficult to exist. Pay careful attention to the location of the access and where you'd like to fish on the Contour Pro map. Further is better, especially if you have to go through several small inlets or other back bays to get to your target area. Generally speaking, the tougher it is to launch from, get to, or find, the more likely you are to find a winner.
Special Regulations and Stocking Information - Often, the DNR recognizes a lake's potential before the general public does, and they create special regulations on such lakes. This is also listed on the DNR report, as is stocking information.
Aerial Photography - The Contour Pro software also has a link to view aerial photography for the same extent/lake you were viewing on the software. Substrate, location, and proximity to other features is something that really sticks out to most people on lakes with high water clarity when viewing the air photos. Get good at interpreting this and you've found yet another valuable tool to add to the arsenal.

There's plenty of information there, I'm sure you'll find more and better useful ways in solving the puzzle!

Joel

--------------------
Joel Nelson - Ice Pro Staff
joel.nelson@in-depthoutdoors.com