How to Use the DIY Fly Fishing Map

The DIY Fly Fishing Map 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 Map.

Map Marker Legend

The map legend is located in the bottom-right-hand corner of the map. Map markers are color-coded.  

• Orange – River
• Green – Lake
• Dark Blue – Saltwater
• Light Blue – USGS stream gauge
• Purple – Point of Interest (POI)

How to Select Map Locations

1. To select a map location, click on it with your mouse or tap it with your finger if you have a touch screen or are using a mobile device.  
2. A location pop-up window will open.

Tip: It helps to zoom into the location to make it easier to select the location.

How to Get Driving Directions

1. Tap any map location to open the location pop-up window 
2. Tap ‘Navigation‘
3. The location will open on Google Maps
4. Tap Directions link

Get Directions on Google Maps

How to Use Search Function

The map 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 or State

Search by National Park

Search by State Park

Search by State Forest or Recreation Area

How to Filter Map Locations

The map legend allows you to filter the map locations. For instance, click the Orange map legend icon to see Rivers.

Advanced Filtering

Several advanced Filtering options are also available. The map’s advanced filter function is located in the lower-right corner of the map. Click the slider to view filtering options.

Filter by Fish Species

You can filter map locations by the type of fish available.

Fish Species available include:

• Trout
• Steelhead
• Salmon
• Bass (this may include other warm water species)
• Saltwater

Filter by Access Type

You can filter map locations by the type of fishing access.

Access types include:

• Boat Ramp (typically suitable for trailered boats)
• Hand Launch (for kayaks, canoes, rafts)
• Trailhead (parking area or trailhead that provides hike-in access)
• Walk-in (parking area or roadside access that provides walk-in access)

Filter by State

If you would like only to show locations in a particular state, click the State selector and then the state you want to fish.

How to Switch Map Layers

The Map Layer Selector is located in the bottom right corner. There are three maps to select from:

• Basic
• Topo Map
• Satellite Map

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, as well as 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 Locate Yourself on the Map

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

1. Click the button to zoom in to your current location.
2. The geolocate button turns blue when geolocation is enabled.
3. Your location is shown with a blue dot on the map.

Geolocation Enabled

How to Move Around the Map

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

Computer / Laptop

1. Hover over the map with the mouse pointer
2. Press and hold the left mouse button
3. Move the mouse in any direction to reposition the map

Touch Screen Device (Laptop, 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

How to Zoom Map In / Out

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

Computer / Laptop

1. Click +/- to zoom in or out on the map, or
2. Hover over the map with the mouse pointer and use the scroll wheel

Touch Screen Device (Laptop, Tablet, Phone)

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

How to Tilt and View Map in 3D

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

Computer / Laptop

1. Hold down Ctrl key
2. Click and hold the left mouse button
3. Move the mouse up to increase tilt or down to decrease  

Touch Screen Device (Laptop, 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

3D Satellite Map View

(note: 3D map feature is currently under development)

How to Get Stream Flow Data

The blue map markers (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.

USGS Stream Gauge Data

Real-time USGS Streamflow Data

Tap the USGS URL link to go to the USGS website for additional information on stream conditions.

Need Help?

You can get in touch with us here.