Q.Reading Water & Finding Fish
How do I use a depth finder to find fish?
A.
Modern sonar/depth finders show bottom contour, depth, structure (brush, timber, rocks), and fish as arches or marks suspended above bottom. Run trolling speeds (2-4 mph) along structure to map productive zones, then idle back to fish them. Side-imaging units extend the view to either side of the boat, useful for finding standing timber and ledges.
Spawn calendar and freshwater behavior pages cover structure use by season.