I have a lake right by my house I would like to fish but it is surrounded by private property. I do not know anyone who lives on it but I plan on asking permission to fish. I fish from the bank so I will be in their yard. Do you guys have any tips for this?

see if there is a homeowners association, that might be who you have to ask for permission. Be mindful of peoples yards. if someone asks you not to fish from their house, kindly move on.

Here's how I approached a similar situation. I drove around the neighborhood specifically "targetting" the lakefront properties. I saw an older guy sitting on his porch enjoying a cold one. I hit the nearest liquor store and picked up a six of what I saw him drinking and came back to talk to him with the beer in tow. I had a beer with him and asked about the lake. He gave me quite a bit of info about the lake and I left with a guest pass that gave me access to the entire lake. I fished that lake for five years and every once in a while I'd stop by with a six for him. If he wasn't home, I'd just leave it on his porch. Worked like a charm.

When I was in college, and into my 20's and 30's, I had to deal with this situation quite a bit. One thing that works is networking. Friends and friends of friends will help you out if you just talk to them. This is how I found my very best spot. (a 50 acre lake on private land in the middle of a national forest) All I had to do was occasionally do some odd job for the older woman who acquired the property in a divorce proceeding.

One thing, should you be going about tresspassing on private lakes, don't look skuffy. Wear clean clothes and be presentable. Know the names of the real estate agents selling in that particular area. I know several private lakes that I got on by telling residents that real estate agent X recommended this lake to me.

Asking for permission works most of the time, sometimes it is easier to say you're sorry than it is to ask for permission. Really, I was fishing in and around Boone County Mo and surrounding counties and I can only think of a couple lakes that I was denied permission to fish on. It's just one of those things that you've got to work at. Should you put your mind to it you should get permission to fish any where you want to.

I know in my state you can purchase a map that shows bounderies of private property around areas of water, you can check to see if there's something similar in your state. Also you can call your local fish commison office and ask of there's a public acess point

I shave my head and it usually intimidates people so I make sure I have a big smile on my face when I knock.

"You have a beautiful property. I'm a catch and release fisherman and I was wondering if I could have permission to fish your lake just for the day". If they are talkative I keep the conversation going and usually end up with permanent permission. Lots of people like getting company so I stop in a tell them fishing tales about their fishery. Don't get discouraged when people say NO. I got rejected from an amazing pond last summer. As I was walking away I asked her if it was ok if i showed up with an apple pie and tried again next year. She just politely smiled. I know she'll say yes next time.

Find out who runs the lake (ex. city/county) get a permit.