How to Fish in Freshwater

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 10, 2023 References

Freshwater fishing is a popular since it requires a simple tackle setup and you can fish from a variety of locations, like lakes, ponds, and rivers, as opposed to oceans. Before you grab your gear, think about what kind of fish you want to catch, like trout or bass. Be sure to check the weather to help you decide on a fishing spot.Then, attach a freshwater rig to your line, make your cast, and get ready to catch a big one!

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Selecting Your Gear

1
Select a rod around 4–5.5 feet (1.2–1.7 m) long to catch small fish. Look for rods made out of fiberglass or graphite. Small freshwater fish are classified by smaller species or shorter lengths of larger species, like large-mouth bass.^{[1]
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- Smaller rods are often used to catch bluegill, bass, trout, and crappie.
2
Go with a rod 5–8.5 feet (1.5–2.6 m) long to catch larger fish. Longer rods are better suited to catch larger freshwater fish because the extended length will help balance the weight of the fish. Select a rod made out of fiberglass or graphite to give your rod flexibility.^{[2]
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- This is standard size for a fishing rod. Most beginners choose a size in between these lengths.
- Larger rods are popular if you are fishing for walleye, pike, trout, or bass.
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3
Use a bait-casting reel for casting larger lures over a long distance. You may be casting a lure from the shore of a lake to the center, or down a long river. Larger lures will also help you catch larger fish. These reels are also good to use with heavier lures.^{[3]
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Use an open or closed-bail spinning reel if you are using lighter lures. These are easy to use because they have a mechanical pickup that retrieves the line and an anti-reverse lever that prevents the crank handle from rotating while a fish is pulling.^{[4]
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- Most beginners start with a medium or medium-light spinning reel.
5
Size your hook based on the size of fish you hope to catch. Fishing hook sizes range from 32 to 1, with the larger the number, the smaller the hook. You can choose from 3 basic hook types: bait-cast, fly-cast, and bait and spin-cast lure hooks..^{[5]
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- Use a smaller size hook (32-20) for smaller fish, and larger sized hooks (1-15) for larger fish
- You can determine the size of your hook by searching online or asking an employee at a local tackle shop.
- Specify your hook type based on different species of fish and fishing methods. For example, use a size 4 hook with a soft plastic lure to catch bass.
6
Choose either live or artificial bait to catch freshwater fish. You can purchase bait at a tackle shop. For live bait, you can find your own as well. Live bail includes worms, minnows, crickets, or leeches. Artificial bait mimic fish’s natural food, and they are often in the form of spinners, jigs, poppers, flies, and spoons.^{[6]
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- To determine what kind of bait, research online to see what bait different fish prefer. For example, whitefish are often caught with a jig and a spoon.
7
Grab your line and remaining tackle, like sinkers and floaters. Fishing line comes in many different weights based on strength. Sinkers are tackle that weigh down your bait to the bottom. Floaters hare small pieces of plastic that stay at the surface of the water, so you can keep track of your line. ^{[7]
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- Choose a 6 tonnes (5.905239165666 long tons; 6.613867865546 short tons) test line.
- "Pound test” means the strength of the line.
- Try to match your pound test fishing line to the size of your rod and reel.
- Getting the right weight of line is important because if your line is too heavy, it may be visible under water, and if your line is too light, a fish may snap it.
8
Buy a tackle box to put hold all your gear. Take your line, hooks, lures, and tackle, and put them in your tackle box so you are ready to go. It is helpful to pack extra hooks and scissors as well.
9
Get a fishing license if you need one. Before you head out, look up the fishing laws in the area you are visiting. You may need to get get a resident, non-resident or a tourist license, depending on how long you plan on fishing.^{[8]
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- You can get fishing licenses at hunting or sporting stores or online.
- In the United States and Canada, most states require a fishing license to catch freshwater fish, and you will be fined if you are caught fishing without a license.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Choosing When to Fish

1
Fish in between a new moon and a full moon for optimal catch times. Freshwater fish are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon, much like all animals. Some fish have peak catching times based on the moon phases, particularly the full moon.^{[9]
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- You can find out the moon phase by researching online. Visit sites like https://www.moongiant.com or refer to the Farmer's Almanac.
2
Fish around the sunrise or the sunset to take advantage of feeding time. Fish tend to be the most active around sunrise and sunset, and this is when they primarily feed. They also are less active during the hot, muggy parts of the day, particularly in the summer.^{[10]
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3
Cast your line in the shallow waters if you're fishing in the spring. In the spring, the shallow waters warm up the fastest, and that warmth provides an attractive place for fish to swim and eat.^{[11]
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Aim for the middle of the lake during summertime. Because the water temperatures in summertime tend to be warm all around, fish prefer the deeper water in the summer. For best results, cast your line deep into the lake or river if you're fishing in summer.^{[12]
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Try different spots if you're fishing in the fall. Water temperatures fluctuate in the fall, so fish are often on the move at this time. Try a few different spots in the lake or river you're fishing in until you start getting some bites.^{[13]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Making a Freshwater Rig

1
Use a clinch knot to attach your rig to your line. Run your line through your tackle, and create a small loop when you get to the end by bringing the end of the line towards your hook. Make 5 “S” twists around the line, and bring the end towards the hook. Push your knot through the first loop made near the eye (the loop you made before the “s” twists), and pull your knot tight.^{[14]
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- Regardless of what kind of rig you make, you can tie a clinch knot for a secure hold.
2
Make a basic bobber rig to easily identify your line in the water. Your rig is the way you assemble your hook, bait, lures, or other tackle. Weave your line through the hole in your bobber one time, and tie your hook to your line. This is a great rig for beginners.^{[15]
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3
Try a sliding sinker rig if you want to cast to the bottom. First, cut a 24 inches (61 cm) piece of line. Tie a swivel to an end of the line and a hook to the other end. Slide a sinker onto your main line, and then run your main line through your swivel. Then, tie a knot to connect your separate line to your main line.^{[16]
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- This is popular because you can fish from either shore or a boat and easily get your bait to the bottom of the water.
4
Use a 3-way rig if you want to keep your bait off the bottom. Tie your main line to 1 eye of a swivel. Cut 2 lines, 1 about 12–16 inches (30–41 cm) and the other about 24–32 inches (61–81 cm) and tie them to the remaining 2 eyes of the swivel. Tie your hook to the longer added line, and then tie a sinker to the shorter added line.^{[17]
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- This is recommended for river fishing or fishing in areas with a current.
- Do this to catch catfish, for example.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Catching Your Fish

1
Bait your hook with your artificial or live bait. Select one piece of bait, artificial or live, and pierce your bait with your hook. Pierce the hook several times through your bait so it will be securely attached to the hook. Try to hide the hook inside of your bait.^{[18]
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- Store your artificial bait in your tackle box when not using it to fish.
2
Bring your rod over your shoulder and flick it forward to make your cast. Press the release button and hold it down. With your dominant hand, lift your rod over your shoulder, and let go of the release button to release your line. Move the rod quickly and consistently to make your cast.^{[19]
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- Fish tend to hang out where shallow water becomes deeper in lakes and rivers. Aim to cast in these locations to catch the most fish.
- Check behind you before you make your cast so you don't hit anyone!
3
Wait patiently for a bite. Sometimes fish will bite right away if they are hungry, and other times you'll be waiting for a nibble for quite some time. You can cast your line again if you aren't getting any bites. Eat lunch while you wait, or talk to your fishing buddies.^{[20]
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- If you put your rod down, make sure you can grab it quickly if a fish does bite. You don't want your big catch to run off with your gear!
4
Set your hook when you feel something tug your line. When you feel a light tug or jerk, pull straight up on your rod. This is called “setting” your hook. You are piercing the fish’s lip with your hook, and now you can reel it in.
5
Reel in your fish quickly to bring in your catch. Crank your handle quickly and consistently so you don’t lose your fish. Slow down a bit when you start to see the fish underneath the surface, so you can securely bring it on shore or onto your boat.
6
Keep or release the fish, based on local laws. Identify the type of fish and review local laws regarding catching and releasing it. Many areas have different laws for all species of freshwater fish, based on sizing and population. You can unhook your fish and either bring it home for dinner or let it go.