First thing I do is find out how the locals generally fish it, as far as what technique they use (but not necessarily what baits). You can usually find that out from marina websites, guide websites/reports, and reports on this site.
Second thing is to find out where I'm staying, if I'm going to be there more than one day. That sets up my game plan for fishing close to wherever I'm lodging. I'll also look at Google Earth to see what the area looks like. I've also found a site that might also come in handy, even if I don't purchase it : https://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=e...key=wecyElagdO
Third is to pick a creek or bay or section of the lake & concentrate my efforts there. And I try and pick one that not only fits the seasonal position & movement of the fish, but has features that are familiar and similar to a lake I fish often. Then I have a good idea on what parts of that section of water to concentrate on, as far as the depths and cover features present.
Lastly ... I fish that area with the same methods I would on a similar lake that I was more familiar with, in accordance with the season and conditions at the time.
Depending on how far you go, or how different the lake is from anything you've ever fished, you may have to learn or try a unfamiliar technique ... or even tweak a familiar technique ... in order to have a chance at catching anything. That's happened to me on Weiss Lake (Ala) and on Watts Bar Lake (Tenn). Weiss taught me longline trolling with multiple rods (Spring) and also bottom bouncing (Fall) (weight on bottom & dual minnow rig above). Watts Bar taught me dock shooting. (Spring/Fall)