Using Google Maps to Catch More Fish

Although many people love fly fishing because it brings them back to the basics, and away from our modern society with our modern technology, that very same technology can do wonders to improve your fishing. In particular, I have been using Google Maps to catch more fish for years now, and it has helped me find more, and better fishing spots.

Especially in an urban environment, it can be difficult to find a good fly fishing spot, with plenty of back casting room and easy access to the water.  With Google Maps, I can see all of the water bodies in my area, and pin point the spots that I think have potential. From there, you can also switch into satellite view to confirm the terrain in the area, or whether that perfect riverside you saw is actually covered in thick vegetation.

Once you locate a few good spots, save a custom map and use markers to designate where you've been and where you want to go. In the notes section for each pin, right what fish you know/think are there, since you can get that information easily in the future should you forget.

The screenshot below is from my own personal map I have. You can see that I've created a system of pin shapes and colors to help me keep things straight. Modern technology is just another tool us fly fishermen have. Use it to help you catch more fish.