
Most depressions and holes are constantly teeming with a variety of fish, both peaceful and predatory. But how can an angler find them without a fish finder? Or other devices? Experienced fishermen who've participated in trophy fishing trips know the secret to finding fishing spots. But young people won't be able to find fishing holes without help and certain life hacks.
How to find out the bottom relief?
Over time, any body of water can change bottom topography, and the resulting depressions and ridges are a haven for large, trophy fish. Shells and driftwood accumulate there, attracting fish like delicious delicacies. Therefore, fishermen often study the bottom topography before fishing. There are several ways to find pits, ridges, and depressions without a fish finder.
Based on existing experience:
Experienced anglers on weedy waters can accurately identify such spots. The options look like this:
- The presence of driftwood is noticeable in the water;
- Large thickets of reeds;
- Water flows have eddies.
But these methods don't always provide the correct definition. It's better to use specific wiring.


Feeder wiring
After equipping your rod or spinning rod with a drop-shaped sinker, cast and retrieve without any sudden movements or jerks. If you feel strong resistance, the sinker has fallen into a hole, and if it begins to vibrate, it's in shell rock.
Jig wiring
Stepped jigging is easy to do with spinning rods. After all, anglers don't always have feeder rods when rafting along routes. Therefore, this option is more popular and in demand. It requires a punching bag sinker or a heavier jig head. The retrieve is similar to the classic method, meaning you only wind the line onto the reel without moving the rod.
Cast the line in only one direction, preferably as far as possible. After the weight reaches the bottom, perform a few turns of the reel, then pause. Constantly time the weight's descent to the bottom; where the drop takes longer, the holes are located.
Searching for holes from a boat or raft
This option is simple, but requires a floating craft, such as a boat or raft. While moving across the water, anglers lower a line vertically to the bottom. with a load, marking the depth with notches.
Conclusion
However, whatever you say, the best option is a fish finder. It will not only show where the river has depressions, edges, or holes, but also show where fish are congregating. But if you don't have one with you, the options listed above will do just fine.
On fishing tours on the Putorana Plateau, guests are equipped with the most advanced fish-finding devices (echo sounders or thermal imagers). The clear, cold water of the taiga's reservoirs also allows for a clear understanding of the reservoir's topography. Trophy fish are clearly visible in the water column, so our publication is more useful for those fishing in their native areas.




