The lay of the land can tell so much about what type of water lies in a given area. A topographical map will not only show streams, lakes, small forest roads, county roads, and foot trails that other maps won’t show, but they also illustrate critical vertical elevation changes utilizing gradient lines. The closer the lines are together, the steeper the grade. The farther apart the lines, the flatter the terrain, and so on.
Canyon Streams
If canyon pocket water is in order, look for hidden streams slicing between long, closely gradated lines. Since canyon walls are steep, their lines on topo maps are very close together.
Canyon water is often faster moving, and full of boulders and stones that create pockets where trout love to sit and wait for food. Look for trails that will lead to the stream, while making sure the elevation change is taken into account. Hiking into and out of canyons can be strenuous and dangerous. Anglers need to know their limits.
Meadow Streams
Since meadows are by definition, flat, wide open areas often tucked between mountains or hills, they are relatively easy to locate on topography maps. Search for streams that flow between mountains or hills where the stratified lines are spread far apart.
Meadow streams are typically slower, meandering waters with numerous bend pools and gravel or silty bottoms. They can be easier to traverse than some canyon water, but can often be tough to fish since the water is usually quiet due to less structure. However, that's not always the case.
Meadow streams are great for teaching novice anglers how to cast, read water, wade, and strip line since there is usually no overhanging vegetation or boulders to foul up a backcast. Scour your map for these wide open areas with widely dispersed gradient lines.
Topography for Safety
It’s a good idea to have a topo map of the area at all times when in the wilderness. First of all, they are the perfect tool for getting to a particular piece of water since they are so detailed, accurate, and thorough.
Also, if the compass or GPS goes awry once away from the vehicle, a topo map will help identify outstanding landmarks such as peaks, saddles, and knolls, as well as valleys, meadows, and canyons. Using two or more landmarks, coupled with your own position, through triangulation, a lost angler may regain his bearings and find his way back to the vehicle or camp.
Trust Delorme’s Atlas and Gazetteer for reliability and accuracy. Every angler should own one for each state he or she fishes. And don't be afraid to keep fishing notes inside of them. Mark that favorite honey hole with stars or arrows, and jot down clarifying instructions when you get hijinxed by bad signage.
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