In about a week I am going to be fishing a very small lake that I know little about. I don't have a depth finder and there aren't any contour maps available. Is there any way I can learn about the contour and the structure on the bottom. From my estimates the lake is 40 feet deep at the most. Any help is appreciated.

Use a lure that drags the bottom. My favorite is a Carolina rig. You should be able to get an idea of what is on the bottom and how deep it is. Is is a private lake? If it's a public lake then which one? Many of us have fished most of the public lakes in GA.

I forgot to mention this lake is not in Georgia but in Washington state. Thank you for the suggestion on the bottom dragging lures.

Google Earth images can often show you a variety of dept changes, road beds, moss beds etc.

Big O

www.ragetail.com

x2 on Google Earth.

Which lake in Washington State?  There are quite a few members from here that may be able to help.  Also, there is a site called WashingtonLake.com you may find helpful.  It has reports on a ton of lakes and some crude topo maps are available and you can't beat the price for them.  Free.

Yes, I agree with finding the location on Goggle Earth.

But I want to expand on the Carolina rig suggestion.

USE A TUNGSTON WEIGHT TO GET A BETTER FEEL OF THE BOTTOM.

A tungston weight is very expensive but you will feel the bottom structure via having your finger on the line.

Also, the dam area may be the deepest so fish the area by the dam or drain.

Just pitch and flip and cast those Senkos and *** baits and topwaters and crankbaits and spinnerbaits and jigs and tubes and finesse worms and drop shots and mojos and split shots and have fun.

And one last tip, ask some of the locals for information.  Not details as to where exactly to fish the lake, but generalities to get a better understanding of the lake and its fish population.

Pictures of your trip are expected on the site when you return home.  

Google Earth images can often show you a variety of dept changes, road beds, moss beds etc.

Big O

www.ragetail.com

X2. Google it

Whenever I try and use google earth the area around the lake comes out fine but the lake itself is blurred  . I waited about 45 minutes (slow computer) but the image was still bad. I'll be sure to check out those tungsten weights.