lake map

[seaphantom]

where can I get a topographic map of my pond?

it's about 40 acres, and I'm sure you could find it somewhere on the web

anyone know how?

[Vabass22]

Google earth. Download the software, get someone who really knows the area, and your part of the state to help you find it!

[Super Fluke]

Google the name of the pond

[links_man2]

Google Earth is good. It is software you download and it shows you satilette photo's of any place in the world. Luckily pictures of my local lake were taken when it was very low so I can use those to see details that are now under water. It gives you the GPS Coordinates so you can plug them in and go to them.

Here is another site where you can get online Topo maps http://www.topozone.com/.

[seaphantom]

the thing is, these maps don't show the actual land underwater, in other words, I can't tell the formation of the creek channel

I have google earth, but it doesn't let me see the land layout underwater

is that too much to ask for on the web?

[weaverml34]

Seaphantom,

The only way your going to find a good topo map of your pond is if someone actually took the time to do a topo study of the area that your pond is in. If you look at the lakes that have really good topo maps I can almost guarantee you that most of them are a resevoir where the Army Corp of Engineers did a topo study before they flooded the resevoir. I'm sure that there are a fair share of natural lakes that have good topo maps but somebody probably had a reason to do one other than for fishing.

[WTL]

Seaphantom,
the only other possibility would be finding a map predating the pond. If it is 40 acres, thats pretty large so you might be able to find a historic topo map from 1940 or so that would give you a little info.

[zooker]

i have the gps mappind soft ware. but alot of lakes don't have topo maps. i know that i could get one for badin just not crazy at the $350 price tag..


zooker

[KenDammit]

I was gonna say...a topo map does you no good unless its an underwater topo.

At my local Wal-Mart, they sell a book that has underwater topography, fish attractors, and all that kinda jazz for most every lake in Kentucky..it sells for 20 bucks.

Obviously if the water you're fishing is private, it won't be in there..but most major(public) lakes are controlled in some fashion by the ASACE and do have topography available.

[lizardsrule]

It may be cheaper to buy a underwater camera, and make your own LOL.

Lizards

[Nitro911]

Lizards actually has a pretty good idea, although I think I would do it a bit cheaper. Humminbird makes a sonar unit that you can tie onto your line and cast. It gives a reading as you reel it slowly back towards you. I have one that I use when I fish unfamiliar stock tanks. I have even used it a couple of times on tanks I thought I knew pretty well and found some structure that I didn't know about.

[mont_lunker_hunter]

Most state universities with a GIS or SIS program will have a website of various maps for your state that you can download. Topographic maps (a.k.a DRG's) and Aerial photos (a.k.a DOQQ's) may be very useful. Aerial photos can show you the surrounding topo and give you a good idea of what the underwater topo is (as long as it's a man made water body). I do this sort of thing nearly everyday (part of my job) so if you need help just holler at me.

[mont_lunker_hunter]

Forgot to mention this; if you don't find a map, and it's a man made lake or pond, then as ur driving to the lake, look around...what you see above water is very similar to whats under water. Although near the levee is usually different due to the dirt work involved in building it.