Lake Contour Maps

[cribbageboy]

Just wondering if there is anywhere you guys know of where I can find detailed lake maps for my computer. I know of the chips for GPS, but just wondering if there is anything out there for my to use on my comp. Thanks in advanced.

[tgruenke]

Lake Link.. you can pay for a membership and see topgraphic maps. Lakemasters Contour also. It's a software program I think that is advertised on this site. IF you want free you could also try the DNR HSOforum

[that_guy]

check out the lake finder on the DNR HSOforum. Lots of information there!

[Corey Bohn]

The LakeMaster software is really nice and a great value in that it allows you to go in and mark waypoints on your computer, print maps and transfer information directly to your GPS in the boat.

I like really like the fact that it allows me to study certain waters in the winter from my computer, and to plan ahead which spots I would like to fish on a new body of water at certain times of the year.

[harvey lee]

The LakeMaster software is really nice and a great value in that it allows you to go in and mark waypoints on your computer, print maps and transfer information directly to your GPS in the boat.

I like really like the fact that it allows me to study certain waters in the winter from my computer, and to plan ahead which spots I would like to fish on a new body of water at certain times of the year.

I agree totally. I have one from Lakemaster I pop into my computor and pull up all kinds of lakes and can really check out where the structure is if I am going to a new lake.

Love it.

[cribbageboy]

I saw that online. What is the exact name of the ones you guys have? I would like to really study structure before heading out on the water, and what you guys are talking about sounds like just the thing.

[ducker]

Do you need to buy the Lakemaster software separately from the chip?

[Corey Bohn]

Yes you do need to buy the software separately. A very good investment though, because you can then download it directly to the GPS in your boat. Software allows you to call up various maps in 1 ft. contours and then to really zoom in on particular structures to pinpoint fingers and inside turns along certain structures. You can then punch in waypoints on those structures on your computer and transfer to boat GPS. Can also print off sections of map for boat reference.

Software also allows you to keep a journal of your time spent on the water which is really nice. Time, date, weather/wind conditions, depth, bait, tackle, technique, results etc.

I spend a far amount of time during the winter months studying structure on various lakes for additional spots to fish in the spring, summer and fall. It allows you to take spots that have been productive for you in the past, and then to zoom in and look for similar spots throughout the lake. Mark the waypoints on your computer and transfer to boat GPS and you have your routes all set up so you can effectively and efficiently cover water. Really a great tool for learning a lake prior to even fishing it, and to make the most of your time once you get on the water.

I highly recommend the LakeMaster software.

[cribbageboy]

Contour Pro V.S. Contour Elite? Is elite worth the extra money???

[Brad B]

with elite you get the 3D view of the lakes on it(currently only 226). the lakemaster software may have more lakes then that. the other option would be to look at navionics to see if they offer computer software. I know their chips has a lot of lakes but don't know if they offer computer software.

[raff]

I have both the Contour Elite (Wisconsin) and the Navionics NavPlanner2 software.

I wish the Contour Elite included more lakes, but I still found it well worth the money. Seeing 3D views of underwater structure is very cool, and I find the software friendly and easy to use. Only problem I have with the software is that my avast anti-virus flags files from the program as containing malware, but I just choose to ignore it.

The Navionics NavPlanner2 software includes contour maps of virtually any lake you will ever fish across the country, and many of the popular lakes are "HD" contour maps with 1 foot contour intervals. Software seems a little buggy at times but also worth the money in my opinion. The software really has had some bad reviews if you look online, but I took a chance on it and am overall pleased with it. I know they also offer cheaper software (hotmaps explorer) but I don't have any experience with it.

Both programs seem to handle GPS data OK...I typically use the Navionics software to store my GPS data because I have had that software longer and it has all the lakes I typically fish. Icons do not typically import correctly but I've learned to deal with it.

I can also second the recommendation for a Lake Link subscription if you are looking to spend less money. Nice basic, no-frills maps with decent GPS export capabilities. I could be mistaken, but I don't believe they allow you to import your own waypoints or routes from a file.

[Ed Carlson]

What state or waterway are you most interested in for the mapping?

For MN and LOTW, the Contour Elite is very good. See the lake list before you purchase to verify it's what you wish.

For ND your coverage is best on the Missouri River System, and Devils Lake. ND has a ways to go yet to as comprehensive as I would wish to see it. But for the big main waters, it's very good.