When fishing new waters or reviewing maps of favorite lakes, the In-Fisherman staff has learned to study carefully. They gather as much information as possible from local resorts, sport shops, and fishery biologists.

When these sources talk about the "west side of the lake," they ask them which section, how far from shore, and the depth. By knowing the area, then examining a map, key spots appear.

For instance, in Map A, the shoreline doesn't appear to have much variation, but one key to walleye patterns is a transition area. Here, the fish are at 12- to 15-foot depths, where the hard bottom (sand and gravel) gives way to muck. At this edge, some vegetation may grow, but the bottom change concentrates fish. For instance, the transition draws baitfish, which in turn draws walleyes.

Search transition edges until you notice a "break" that's slightly different from the rest of the transition. These might be subtle, like an immediate depth change from 11 to 14 feet, which could be critical when the general nature of the bottom is a gentle slope from the shallows to the depths.

Map A

A sand to muck transition or rocks and boulders piled up in a small spot could be fish magnets. Check secluded patches of cabbage or coontail growing along the break.

In Map B, steep breaks are easy to see on the map and also on electronics. The best walleye breaks are steep drops interrupted by a slight ledge. These spots even if they're only a couple feet wide will hold walleyes. The fish might not always be there, but these spots serve as feeding or resting areas. Fish could be on the ledge or suspended horizontally out to the side. If they're not on top of the break, check the next deepest ledge.

Map C shows a typical point. These "fast-food" restaurants are natural walleye magnets. Fish hold alongside main-lake and secondary points, and off the tips at various depths. A point that gradually tapers into the depths might hold walleyes only along a transition from sand to rocks. Or check more radical depth changes. Start searching on the point, deeper than you think fish may be holding. Move slowly, running a zigzag course from deep to shallow, watching your graph. When you find fish, check to see how many other walleyes are at the same depth. When you see a few fish, the spot might be good enough to drop a line.

Map B

Remember what you learn from one point can be the starting depth at the next point. If walleyes set up on a certain spot, say the north side of the point, then check the same side at the next area, even if it's miles down the lake.

Map D shows a typical midwestern lake with dark water, which by late summer will be compounded by algae blooms. Weededges in a lake with water clarity of 5 to 7 feet might be as deep as 8 feet. This area could hold walleyes along the deepest side, where cabbage and coontail end abruptly. Whenever weed indentations, pockets, or corners occur, concentrate at these key spots. Walleyes may also suspend out from the deep weededge, and if you spot fish on the graph there, try trolling.

Map D

Map C

Concentrate on likely looking areas from a map. Then begin your search pattern at these spots, fishing and looking as you fine-tune your presentation.