Experience Report: How I Approach Fishing on an Unknown Lake During a Fishing Holiday

Step 1: Gather Information on FISHERMANS-LODGE.com

Before I even touch my tackle box, I check out the listing of my destination on FISHERMANS-LODGE.com. Most hosts already share a lot of helpful details here:
What fish species are present? What kind of water body can I expect? Is there a boat, a fish finder, or specific fishing techniques that work well in the area?
Especially when fishing a new body of water, this info is worth its weight in gold – particularly in Finland, where lakes can vary dramatically from one another.

Step 2: Check the Water Map

A real insider tip: the website excursionmap.fi, operated by the Finnish environmental authority. While the site is in Finnish (browser translation helps!), it offers detailed water maps for almost all public waters in Finland.
I like to take a look at the lake’s depth, structure, and any special features – this already helps with choosing the right lures (e.g., diving behavior, size, color).

Step 3: Get in Touch with the Host

Through the contact form on FISHERMANSLODGE.com, you can reach out directly to your host. Most of them know their lake like the back of their hand and are happy to share which lures are working, where the hot spots are – and if there’s anything in particular you should be aware of.

Step 4: Don’t Ignore Your Gut Feeling

All that prep helps – but sometimes, instinct makes the final call. I remember one trip where I almost left a particular jerkbait at home – "You won't need it," I thought.
On location, the host told me that this exact lure type was working wonders for zander at the time. Annoying! Since then, I trust my gut and always pack that one extra lure… just in case.

On Site: Turning Plans into Adventure

Once I arrive, I review the lake map again – many hosts even have one on-site. These days, lots of boats come equipped with a sonar and chart function.
I personally use the Raymarine Firefly 4 – small, reliable, and ideal for travel. Just make sure to ask your host ahead of time if a battery is available. And don’t forget to bring a portable transducer pole!

The First Try: Trolling

I almost always start with trolling. I move from deeper water toward the shallows.
When you're unfamiliar with the lake, this gives you a good feel for the bottom structure and depth – and helps avoid annoying snags.
Important: Never speed across an unfamiliar lake! Many Scandinavian waters have massive underwater boulders – even in the middle of the lake.
These rocks were pushed there by glaciers during the last ice age and often lie just below the surface. So, always drive carefully – even far from the shore.
If you're fishing without a sonar: loosen the drag a bit and avoid deep-diving lures. Start deep and move shallower gradually to get a feel for the terrain and avoid costly snags.

Choosing Lures: Be Willing to Experiment

Trolling is perfect for testing out lure colors and sizes. Often, you'll know within a few hours what's working and what isn't.

Changing Spots: Bays, Drop-Offs, and Plateaus

If trolling isn't producing – or you just want a change – look for bays or interesting structures. I use Google Maps or a detailed water chart for that.
Especially in spring and early summer, shallower bays can be promising – depending on the target species.
Drop-offs and underwater plateaus are always prime locations: baitfish gather there – and where there's prey, predators are usually not far behind.

Stay Active – or Get Help

Fishing holidays always involve: experimenting, learning, adapting.
Sometimes it takes a while to find "your" spot and "your" lure.
If you don’t want to waste too much time, I highly recommend booking a local guide. They know the water, know what’s working – and can significantly shorten the path to success.

Conclusion

In the past, my fishing holidays were like a surprise egg – today they’re a planned adventure.
With a bit of preparation, the right gear, and an open mind, an unfamiliar lake can quickly feel like a trusted spot.
And best of all: time on the water stays what it should be – a getaway full of excitement, nature, and unforgettable moments.

Tight lines!
Lars from FISHERMANSLODGE