Rivers, Reservoirs and Lakes: Freshwater Fishing Basics

Fresh water comes in very different forms: flowing rivers, still reservoirs and wide, deep lakes. Each has its own fish and its own way of fishing.

Rivers

Flowing water is rich in oxygen, with shallow fast runs and deep slow pools. You'll find chub schooling in the runs, mandarin fish and aucha perch hiding among rocks, and catfish on the bottom. The current carries your rig away, so use a slightly heavier sinker. After rain the water rises fast, so stay back from the edge.

Reservoirs

Dammed water with almost no current. Reservoirs are the heart of Korean crucian carp fishing, and lotus leaves and reeds are where carp hide. Introduced species such as bluegill and bass are common too. Night fishing is popular, so bring a flashlight and warm clothes.

Lakes

Large dam lakes are wide, deep and often cold. Cold-water fish like trout live there alongside predators such as skygazers, and many lakes are famous for winter ice fishing for pond smelt. Only ice fish where and when local authorities allow it.

Good to know everywhere

Watch for signs marking drinking-water protection zones and no-fishing areas. Some species, like mandarin fish, have closed seasons and minimum sizes. Take your trash, leftover bait and broken line home with you.