Advice on gaining access to some private lakes I found

[shoreangler]

If anybody on here knows someone that lives on one of the private lakes on 264th street between Venice NE, and Valley NE, I was wondering if you could point me there way,I fished at a lake around this area this afternoon that was still in the process of being developed and caught 8 or so 3 lb'rs.

[RWHusker.]

Several of those are "very" private.  Especially the ones with homes built around them. Go to the court house and buy a plat map, that should provide the owners.  Iowa has more ponds and easier access in my opinion. 

GO BIG RED!

[shoreangler]

yeah,I was getting that feeling when I was driving by the lakes so I'm not sure if it is even worth trying to gain access to them. Iowa does have a lot of private ponds and lakes I just haven't had a chance to make it over there yet.

[Fishes in trees]

Back years ago, when I was a meat fishing bush hippie, I invited myself onto lots of private waters.  There are many ways to do that without getting anyone steamed at you.

Rule #1 was don't look skuffy.  Clean clothes, no rips or tears, act like you belong there.  All the swank subdivision lakes are being promoted by some real estate company, there is a name to drop, just say so and so at the real estate company told you it was ok.

Any resident can give you access.  Find out who lives there and charm them into giving you access.

The key is getting your first in.  Once you get that first one, they know somebody who knows somebody who will get you on to the next lake and the next lake and so on.  Once you get access, be very polite and don't make a mess.  Not even a cigarette butt or a gum wrap.

I was in my early 20's and fishing in and around a college town (Columbia, MO)  Professors and university administrators who were friends of friends (very tangental acquaintences) would tell me where their spare key was, so I could go into their houses and use their bathrooms.  It is all about building friendships and being trust worthy.  I would occasionally do the odd job or task which would help me get an in.

The challenge of getting to fish in very private places is fun and you get to meet alot of interesting people.  Good luck & remember rule #1 - Don't look skuffy.

[RWHusker.]

That sounds like good advice.  In our neighborhood you must have a resident with you.

GO BIG RED

[shoreangler]

thanks for the advice,next time I go out that way I will take advantage of it and hopefully ask the right person.

[cart7t]

That sounds like good advice. In our neighborhood you must have a resident with you.

GO BIG RED

That's the way it is with a lot of those community lakes. 

[Fishes in trees]

Shoreangler - I've got to know..   How goes the quest to get on private lakes ?  Are you making any progress?  Have you talked your way on to any decent waters lately?  Enquiring minds want to know.

[saint romain]

Kill them! With kindness that is, I'm 20 and have ponds/private lakes up to 30 minutes away that I fish and just simply ask if I could park by there house and carry my boat to the pond. I have been turned down, but thats in places where my safety is more of an issue to the owners. If using a boat, be sure to let them know you have at least a life jacket, and if they seem like the type; when your done fishing, let them know how you did, what you caught, and how the mosquitoes were!

When turned down (its bound to happen) all you can really do is say you understand and find a different place to fish that evening. If you plan on fishing in the morning, try getting permission the day before ( I guess thats obvious).

But good luck

[Andy Taylor]

Yeah, all you can do is ask. If they so no, so be it. I fish at a local business who has 2 sand pit ponds loaded with bass.  Years ago, I just stopped in and asked if they ever let people fish their ponds, and the owner said sure. The only requirement is catch and release only, and I stop in each spring for a new "permission" card.

[saint romain]

Yea, I'm pretty sure Louisiana law states when hunting or fishing on private property, you must have a writ document giving permission and having owners phone number.

I don't bother with it most of the time though.