Lake map info?

I have been doing some lake scouting on navionics and the dnr’s lake finder on lakes in my area. My question is how do I go about figuring out what types of bottom certain areas of the lake are? I.e. Hard bottom, mud flats etc. Still learning how to dissect lake maps efficiently. I recently watched an episode where James broke down a map quickly but it didn’t go in depth enough for a newbie like myself. I would like to be able to do that to maximize my time out. Can anyone point me to some resources that might help me master lake map reading and terminology to aide my scouting? Thanks!

Mike

Mike, I didn’t see your location, so I don’t know if your referring to WI OR MN. many maps will list bottom content or some references to content. I like a lot of the older maps from online that include shoreline elevations and content. But when looking at a map with no info, look at points. Since most point and humps were created from erosion, those structures will be hard. Same for inside bends. Then it’s getting out and scouting what’s between them

And gentle slopes generally mean softer bottoms.

I feel your pain. I need to learn how to read the sonar better, because I still have not found a good resource for bottom content. That is as important of a factor when choosing places to fish as structure (contours) is.

Any recommendations for lake map apps or software for Verizon mini-tablet?

Sorry, I am based in the twin cities so minnesota dnr.

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Any recommendations for lake map apps or software for Verizon mini-tablet?

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Android? You can use the free DNR LakeFinder app. The maps aren’t highly detailed. Better yet, download the PDFs from the LakeFinder web app onto your tablet.

Otherwise, pay for Navionics app.