If you see a private lake....

[fishingchef80]

True story, this happened yesterday.  I drove down to my hometown about 30 minutes away. I've had an itch to fish a pond that i knew was posted that i went to about 10 years ago.  I pull up to a house that i thought owned it, turns out no, but the guy was nice enough to chat a little bit and point me to the right house.  Go to the house knock on the door.  And nothing, no answer, so i left.  I mean I really wanted to fish this place I know that it never gets fished!!!  But just wasnt worth the hassle of getting caught and who knows maybe they'll answer the door one day. It is a rush to fish private ponds, heck in high school we used to go "pool hopping" at night but im 26 now dont feel like going to jail for fishing

[alhuff]

There is a growing trend with states to create Community Fishing Programs, I know VA and NC do it.  The state comes in and stocks and maintains the pond and anyone with a state license can fish the ponds, even if they are in a community.  

I think all states should do this as alot of these ponds go unused and wasted.

I have fished ponds that are in communities and I'm not sure but I don't think its illegal due to it not being posted as private.  The ponds in communities are, more than likely, gonna be on public land.

Just my 2cents,

Alfred

[hamer08]

I personally wouldn't.

But my in experience, these "private ponds" aren't as good fishing as a regular managed public lake anyhow. If the private pond is actively managed for fishing then the owner will be very protective of its fishing rights. But these "private" ponds with somewhat easy access (i.e. apartment complexes, POAs, golf courses, industrial, etc) usually are poor producers.

I'm lucky enough to live in an area with ample public fishing. We also have alot of strip mine lakes that have been stocked and managed. The best fishing is always at least a half mile walk from the car and the cream of the crop requires you to portage a boat (thank god for canoe carts).

So instead of sneaking around, its much better to develop a network of fishing friends that can show you new places to fish and more importantly how to fish them. You should also look into sportsmans club that have and manage their own lakes.

[roadwarrior]

hamer,

Welcome aboard!

[Raul]

Maybe I said this wrong. Its probably different where you guys are. Here in New Brusnwick where I am there arent many big fish ill admit. Honestly though most of the people that own land here are arrogant @$$ holes and they dont share with anyone. I mean its really out of control. Everywhre you go you get these no tresspassing and keep out signs, it gets really annoying for a young angler looking to get deeply involved into fishing and perhaps make it a life in later years. Oh just for your information we throw the big brookies back so they can spawn and keep the medium sized ones.

No sir you worded it right, young angler needs to spend a couple of days in jail and a fine for tresspasing to straight him up.

[Pond Hopper]

Maybe I said this wrong. Its probably different where you guys are. Here in New Brusnwick where I am there arent many big fish ill admit. Honestly though most of the people that own land here are arrogant @$$ holes and they dont share with anyone. I mean its really out of control. Everywhre you go you get these no tresspassing and keep out signs, it gets really annoying for a young angler looking to get deeply involved into fishing and perhaps make it a life in later years. Oh just for your information we throw the big brookies back so they can spawn and keep the medium sized ones.

And they have that right because they own the land.  Go out, put in some time introducing yourself and doing some favors for these farmers/land owners and then maybe you can get permission.  Just because they have signs does not mean they wont give permission, thats rule #1 in getting permission to hunt or fish.  People like yourself give outdoorsmen a bad name.  

[roadwarrior]

The main reason private property is posted is to limit the property owner's liability. If you make the effort to get permission, chances are pretty good it will be granted. Otherwise, you have NO right of access to anyone's property, period.