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Posted

I was hoping to fish the Charles River in Massachusetts and was able to obtain an underwater contour map. I have a boat and access most regions on it. I have only a basic understanding of how to read contour maps, such as locating dropoffs, humps, etc. I am looking for both striped bass and largemouth bass. I have the screenshot of the map as follows:

 

1695568042_CharlesRiverUnderwater.thumb.jpg.6d3f5f0604c00ba20eaa0452b24d2186.jpg

 

The river is 33 feet at deepest and 2 feet at the most shallow point. A good area with LOTS of fish I have found is right in front of where the Muddy River enters into the main river. This can be found on the bottom-left-middle part of the map. It contains a hump that is only 2 feet underwater.

 

 

Since a lot of fish congregate where the confluence of the Muddy River and Charles River meet (labeled red A), I am wondering if anyone had any thoughts as to the migration patterns throughout the day. I thought that the natural place they might go would be the deep area in area B. Is there also a possibility they might migrate from A over to C (really deep water) via the flat? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

  • Super User
Posted

We had looked at several members maps looking for suggestions similar to your inquiry.

Every lake is different with lots of factors to consider the most important being depth, prey types and bass species.

My suggestions will differ from other because my experiences differ. I am not aware of any comprehensive article or book that defines structure elements that apply everywhere. Some common terms used may help your search; hump, saddle, funnel zone and isolated structure. Most maps don't show soil, clay, sand, gravel, rocks, stumps, or aquatic cover that affect where bass tend to hold.

If want to post 1 lake to look at that might be helpful. 

Tom

PS, how did I miss "River" and you posted a map?

  • Super User
Posted

I've done some river fishing on the mississippi . Dikes , rip rap banks , backwaters , creeks and tributaries are where Ive caught them .  

  • Super User
Posted

Direction of current flow is right to left? 

Flow rates?

Bass species?

Smallmouth Bass roam all day and night and could be anywhere within the map area.

The long underwater structure that appears to be drainage system across from C provides a current break. Area between C and the drain structure highest current flow zone funneling prey. All the current breaks are potential good areas for Largemouth bass and provide a hunting zone for Smallmouth bass.

Tom

 

  • Super User
Posted

Another thing stripers like current largemouths dont . I have caught largemouths in current but even then its usually on rip rap where there are plenty of current breaks for them to wait in ambush .

  • 1 year later...
Posted

This is the Charles River basin where the river is wide. The current is going from left to right in that image. Thanks for the note on the muddy river area. This will be my home river this spring and summer. The contour map is of course invaluable information, but a lot of river fishing is reading the water and the daily and hourly conditions. The contour map doesn't show you small seams, riffles and pools that take an observant river rat to catch. As WRB noted the map doesn't show bits of cover that could be very important; if they are in or out of direct current.

 

That being said I will be looking at fishing the river on the opposite bank of the muddy river. I like the area on the far left of the image where the narrower stretch of the river opens into the basin. This probably means a change in current and flow, and could be a major ambush point for bass and stripers. I am also interested in what looks like a big square pool after that shallow bar. That could be a hangout for largemouth and pike. 

 

However the basin could be rather slow current wise and fish more like a lake/pond. Its covered in ice now but Ill let you guys know if I have some success in the dirty water this season.     

  • Super User
Posted

Ah, middle of Boston. I stayed in the Back Bay last time I was there, bottom right of the map.

 

This part of the Charles is tidal, no? I feel like that's going to affect things as lot.

 

Posted
On 2/24/2021 at 7:17 PM, MIbassyaker said:

This part of the Charles is tidal, no? I feel like that's going to affect things as lot.

 

I was just going to ask the question are you fishing the tidal portion of the river.  If so then you'll need to take the tides into consideration. The tides will also impact any of the feeder creeks or rivers.  If you are in the tidal zone,  the general consensus would be to fish, two hours on either side of the top or bottom of the tides.  Fish the feeder streams on the incoming tide.  Fish the mouths of the feeder streams on the outgoing tide.

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

I guess you “love that dirty water”.   If you want stripers, fish as close to the locks as possible, near museum of science. But  I’ve actually had more success fishing near the Charleston bridge or behind the hockey rink from shore when the pump is running.  
 

if you want lg mouth go up river.  I suggest launching near Waltham.

Posted
On 3/21/2021 at 3:43 AM, Deeare said:

I guess you “love that dirty water”.   If you want stripers, fish as close to the locks as possible, near museum of science. But  I’ve actually had more success fishing near the Charleston bridge or behind the hockey rink from shore when the pump is running.  
 

if you want lg mouth go up river.  I suggest launching near Waltham.

Anyone had any luck there? I was looking into launching near purgatory cove but I am unsure how good the fishing there is

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