Simple question. I like to fish new places. I've always done well fishing neighborhood ponds but haven't fished one in years. I was driving the other day and noticed a new development with a couple decent sized ponds with a lot of open (vacant) lots. Just wondering what the rule of thumb is on how to fish them.  Is it ok to fish the open lots that havent been purchased?

I don't know what the law says, but I think it's reasonable to assume that if there are no signs (private property, no fishing, etc.), it would be ok. I'd say don't make a mess, don't mess with anyone, don't keep any fish, and be prepared to politely leave if someone says something to you. Just my thoughts...

You will not have a problem as long as there are no signs

I would assume if there aren't any signs stating no fishing/trespassing/private property then you should be okay. That's what I always do anyway.

No signs fish on.. signs ask for permission

We had a situation like this a couple of years ago where I live.  As long as the lot was vacant, or being built on it was ok to fish there.  Once the house was built we were told that we would have to check with the owners of the property.

I would make an effort to get permission first. Ask someone who's working on one of the homes under construction. They may know who you should see about permission. Asking first may pay dividends in the future. That's just the way I'd approach the situation.

All states have different tresspass laws. In one state no posters you might be fine, in a state like ohio, private property use requires hand written permission or its automatic tresspassing charges, no fighting it.

thanks for all the replies. Ill have to check and see if there are any signs (and fish).

I would make an effort to get permission first. Ask someone who's working on one of the homes under construction. They may know who you should see about permission. Asking first may pay dividends in the future. That's just the way I'd approach the situation.

 

 

Excellent advice!

 

 

A buddy and I sometimes hit a local neighborhood pond like that. We were given permission by a family that lives in the community.

 

Personally, I would never fish a place that I wasn't given permission to -- unless it was public land w/o "keep out" postings. I am very reticent to ever trapse around neighborhood ponds...

If it doesnt have any no tresspassing signs you should be good to go. Fish em all the time

I would think its ok to fish them.  I fish ponds/sections of canal very similar to that.  I always make sure i am very respectful while i am there.  Under any circumstances, DO NOT litter while there.  Not even leaving a used up plastic bait on the ground, nothing gets left behind.  I read an article on here saying "i bring a plastic bag with me to pick up trash while i'm there".  I have done this at times, i think it makes it easier for people not to say anything if you are helping clean up a little bit. 

 

Matt

Some of the  neighborhood around here if you fish with someone that is resident from the community you are ok, too. But most comunity is for residents only and they will call the police.

No signs fish on.. signs ask for permission

This one.

Just make sure there are not any signs that warn against it, and be sure to always zone out the neighborhood. Focus on the pond, be quiet, and don't attract any attention. As long as you don't look suspicous, you won't seem suspicious. If someone is in their backyard or trying to enjoy the pond, be courteous and walk down some ways. If the pond has a side that is undeveloped, fish this side first, as it will usually have better fishing anyways. Like others have said, if someone asks what you are doing or asks you to leave, respond in a courteous and polite manner.

A vacant lot is owned by someone, IMO in the true letter of the law you are trespassing.  Seldom have I had a problem fishing if I've had access to the lot from a public street, but I pick and choose those places carefully.

What if all the homes are fenced and the pond is open with no fence and the pond backs up to a road would this be considered private property .. I don't see any no fishing or trespassing signs and like I said all the homes have fences with at least 25 yards from the pond ?? 

18 hours ago, 615fishing said:

What if all the homes are fenced and the pond is open with no fence and the pond backs up to a road would this be considered private property .. I don't see any no fishing or trespassing signs and like I said all the homes have fences with at least 25 yards from the pond ?? 

The ponds in my neighborhood are like that. We have a bunch of ‘residents only’ signs up so technically if you don’t live in the neighborhood you can’t fish there. I’ve never seen it enforced, but I’ve never cared because I am a resident. 
 

Be quiet, courteous, and clean and you shouldn’t have too many problems. 

Wow old thread revival...most counties have a GIS mapping website and you can see who owns any property which then will say who you need to ask for permission.  

Just because it isn't posted doesn't mean it is fair game and to say that is disrespectful to the landowners.  Sad that people think just because it isn't posted means you can go on the property.  I mean I don't have no trespassing on my yard so I guess that means anyone can go in my front and back yard because it isn't posted.

I would assume that someone owns that property, therefore you will be trespassing. Whether or not the owner cares is something I would find out first.

On 6/4/2022 at 3:55 PM, 615fishing said:

What if all the homes are fenced and the pond is open with no fence and the pond backs up to a road would this be considered private property .. I don't see any no fishing or trespassing signs and like I said all the homes have fences with at least 25 yards from the pond ?? 

The rule in SC is that you can access the pond from a public road or highway. I've seen it happen. But you can't walk through private property to access it. Presumably, you can't launch a watercraft.