I've been checking out the map around my area and have found a number of small-ish ponds nearby. I have yet to actually look at them firsthand though. What I am wondering is, what is necessary for a pond to hold fish? If I were to go look, and I don't see any fish jumping or cruising, what should I look for that would indicate that this water is habitable for our swimming friends? There is also a creek that runs through my town and the next 3 counties SW, running from/connecting a lake to a large river. In particular, there is a good size "lake" (when does a pond become a lake???) that I NEVER see anyone on. No idea if it is private, but if it is, I plan on requesting access. However, I'd hate to ask the owner if I could fish it and have them laugh and tell me there's no fish in it. It looks to be about 75 acres or so. There are also a good number of random little lakes that have no names according to google maps but look to be big enough to fish.

Sure, I could just go fish there and find out, but I have bad luck catching fish even if I know they are there, so my inability to find them in a new place would be an inconclusive study lol.

Try contacting your fish and game department. They should be able to give you an idea of stocking info or what type of fish are in the various ponds. They should also be able to tell you if they are on state/public land.

Try contacting your fish and game department. They should be able to give you an idea of stocking info or what type of fish are in the various ponds. They should also be able to tell you if they are on state/public land.

Didn't think about that. Thanks.

The Wisconsin DNR site is pretty good for this although maps can be outdated. For a lot of the little ponds/lakes in my area asking around is the only way to find out. A lot of times around here no fishing-no aerator-no fish. I try to ask local bait shops.