When you find a topo map that was last surveyed in 2003; how likely is it that the depth numbers that are currently shown, will differ from how they actually are right now? (9 years later). Is it possible that it can become altered significantly to make a difference?

also, on parts of the map, there is a dashed line that is being noted as an Old Road Bed. What does that mean?

I am attaching the topo map of the lake that I fish that I am referring to.

http://www.dnr.state...astForkLake.pdf

Unless you have significant water flow from feeder river/creeks there will none. I've fished the same structure on Toledo Bend for 40 years now & the bottom contour has not changed.

When you find a topo map that was last surveyed in 2003; how likely is it that the depth numbers that are currently shown, will differ from how they actually are right now? (9 years later). Is it possible that it can become altered significantly to make a difference?

also, on parts of the map, there is a dashed line that is being noted as an Old Road Bed. What does that mean?

I am attaching the topo map of the lake that I fish that I am referring to.

http://www.dnr.state...astForkLake.pdf

I agree with catt, the structure really does not change without a significant instance occurring, as far as the dotted lines are concerened, the old road bed means that there once was a road that was traveled before the lake was flooded, the road or road bed is still there but now under water, the pavement, if it was paved, was most likely scraped up before the lake was flooded and you are left with the gravel or dirt bedding.

You should however take advantage of it by fishing those old road beds, that added structure makes for a good habitat for bass and other fish.

Not all topo maps are completely accurate, it is up to us to report any changes we may note in the structure, case in point, there was a hump at my lake that showed it was in approximately 15 feet of water at full pool, when in fact it was in only in 3 feet of water at full pool, I noted the spot and submitted a report for the change to the state and a year later the maps were changed, and a warning post was put in place.

So keep an eye out and good luck and be safe !!!

hm, that makes sense. I have learned that there used to be a subdivision of homes where that lake is. Now I am not sure of the history of when and why but they turned it in to a lake. So that makes sense what you said about the "old road bed".

I wonder what it looks like down there.......Have thought about throwing my scuba gear on and checking it out but have not done so.

I have a dumb question, can you identify good points to fish on a topo map like that? And if so, which would be considered good ones? I'm not much of a lake fisherman. Thanks

I have a dumb question, can you identify good points to fish on a topo map like that? And if so, which would be considered good ones? I'm not much of a lake fisherman. Thanks

Starting with a topo map on a lake is probably the best place to start. Spend time learning how to read the map. If you can read the map online and get some gps points then you can transfer it to you unit on your boat. Then when you get out on the lake you can fine tune your waypoint when you get on the structure

I have a dumb question, can you identify good points to fish on a topo map like that? And if so, which would be considered good ones? I'm not much of a lake fisherman. Thanks

Yes, learn about terms first such as: Flats,drop-offs,points,ledges...ect...then look at a topo...that's how I learned.