Farm Pond Fishing

[PullMyFinger]

Nothing I like better than fishing at a farm pond. I have a couple that I can go to as I used to work with the guys that own them. But having only two to go to causes too much fishing in them. I usually don't keep any of the fish I catch. Unless a fish swallows the hook and I can't get it out without killing the fish.

I had heard at one time, long ago, that if you owned a farm pond and had the DNR stock it, you were supposed to allow the public access to fish it. Now, I don't know if that were ever true or not. But if it is, how do you go about finding out where these ponds might be? I've checked the DNR website for information regarding this but could never find anything. And no, I never called to ask. Maybe I should.

Heck, if I knew of ponds that were close by that would allow me to fish them, that would be great. I wouldn't keep any of the fish unless the owner is looking for someone to thin the herd a little.

Any ideas on how to go about finding farm ponds that could be fished?

[aekhoff]

Google maps.... then go knocking on doors, and good luck! That is how a lot of hunting spots are acquired.

[sdeters]

I had heard at one time, long ago, that if you owned a farm pond and had the DNR stock it, you were supposed to allow the public access to fish it.

Not true that I know of.
There is a couple good ponds around Lake Shelbyville that are public and hold some good fish.
Get a plot map and google maps and go to town. Just like aekhoff says go knocking.

[PullMyFinger]

Believe me, I've see tons of ponds within 5 to 10 miles of my house using satellite imaging. I'm just not the type of guy that can go knocking on doors to ask if I can fish in their pond. I know, you can't win if you don't play. There are some public ponds in the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area about 30 miles from where I live. I should go try them sometime.

[sdeters]

Yeah I agree with ya it is tough for me to do that also. That is why I fish and hunt public ground.

[gabowman]

Google maps.... then go knocking on doors, and good luck! That is how a lot of hunting spots are acquired.

X 2. This has ALWAYS been my best option.