Help Mobile App 3 min read

How to Use Mobile App

The DIY Fly Fishing mobile app has many built-in functions and map controls to make exploring and finding places to fish easy. Below is a guide on how to use the app.

How to Select Map Locations

  1. Tap a map marker or the general area of interest on the screen.
  2. A Places pop-up window will open.
  3. Tap the location of interest.
  4. A location detail screen will open.

How to Get Driving Directions

  1. Tap any map location to open the location detail screen. 
  2. Tap ‘Navigate‘
  3. Select the mapping app you would like to use, e.g., Apple Maps, Google Maps
  4. The location will open in the mapping app.

How to Use Street View

Using Google Street View, you can preview access points and fishing locations. Street View is typically available along most roadways and bridges.

See also our Help Doc on How to Use Street View in Mobile App for more information.

How to Access DIY Guides for Featured Destinations

Links to DIY Guides for featured destinations on our website are now accessible within the mobile app.

Click the Guide button to view additional information about the fishery.

How to Add Notes to Map Locations

You can add notes to any map marker. This handy feature lets you track where and when you have fished and what you caught, and it allows you to create a fishing journal.

For tips on using this feature, see How to Add Notes in Mobile App in our Help Docs.

How to Use Search Function

The app Search Function is located in the upper-right corner of the map. You can search the map for fishing locations by name, city, state, park, etc.

Search for Fishing Locations by Name

Search by City

How to Filter Map Locations

The app filter function is located in the upper left of the screen.

Map markers are broadly organized by color-coded Categories, including:

  • River (orange)
  • Lake (green)
  • Ocean (dark blue)
  • Points of Interest (POI, purple)
  • USGS Stream Gauge (blue)

Advanced filters are also available, including:

  • State
  • Access Attribute
    • Walk-in (shore access)
    • Boat Ramp (suitable for trailered boats)
    • Hand Launch (best for canoes, kayaks, rafts, etc.)
    • Trailhead
  • Fish Species
    • Trout
    • Steelhead
    • Salmon
    • Bass (includes other warm water species)
    • Saltwater (limited data available currently)

How to Switch Map Layers

The Map Layer Selector is located in the bottom right corner.

There are three map layers and 3D mode available:

  • Basic
  • Topo
  • Satellite
  • 3D mode

Topo Map

The Topo map is a general-purpose map with information tailored to fishing in more remote regions.

Trails, paths, and more

The Topo map contains extensive trail and path information and mountain peak information. Its developed styling clearly articulates each type for maximum legibility.

Terrain Data

Global elevation and landcover data lie at the heart of our Topo map. We processed the best elevation and land cover sources worldwide, including the U.S. Geological Survey, Norwegian Mapping Authority, and Canadian GeoBase data portal. We combined them into hillside, contour lines, and land cover layers that provide the necessary context for our path and trail information.

Relevant points of interest

The Topo map contains POI data relevant to active use cases. These specialized layers include campsites, public restrooms, and even water fountains. POI icons have background shapes and pronounced colors, making them particularly viewable on mobile.

Satellite Map

How to Tilt, Rotate, and View Maps in 3D

To view the map in 3D, first select the Satellite 3D mode and then tilt and rotate the view as discussed below.

Touch Screen Device (Tablet, Phone)

  1. Touch and hold two fingers on the screen.
  2. Swipe fingers up to increase tilt
  3. Swipe fingers down to decrease tilt
  4. Rotate fingers clockwise or counterclockwise

3D Satellite Map View

See How to Use 3D Maps in Mobile App in our Help Docs for more information.

How to Locate Yourself on the Map

The geolocate button is located in the bottom right corner of the screen.  

  1. Click the button to zoom in to your current location.
  2. Your location is shown on the map with a blue dot.

How to Move Around the Map

You can move around the map using standard hand gestures on touchscreen devices.

Touch Screen Device (Tablet, Phone)

  1. Touch and hold one finger on the screen
  2. Move your finger in any direction to reposition the map

Hand Touchscreen Gestures

hand touchscreen gesture chart

How to Zoom Map In / Out

The map zoom controls are located in the lower right corner of the map.

Touch Screen Device (Tablet, Phone)

  1. Double-tap the screen to zoom in or
  2. Touch screen with two fingers and pinch together to zoom in
  3. Touch the screen with two fingers and push your fingers apart to zoom out

How to Save Maps For Offline Use

No service? No problem? You can save fishing access locations and base maps for offline use in the DIY Fly Fly Fishing mobile app. If you are heading out fishing in an area with no cell service, save the locations and base map of interest before you go.

For tips on using this feature, see How to Use Offline Maps in Mobile App in our Help Docs.

How to Get Stream Flow Data

The blue dots on the map indicate the location of a USGS stream gauge.

Tap the blue dot to pull up a graph of stream flow data for that location over the past seven days.

More in-depth tutorials on how to use the DIY Fly Fishing mobile app are available in our Help Docs.

Enjoy!