A field guide to American water
Lake guides, state by state, before you drive out
Lake Locate is a growing directory of American lakes with plain-spoken guides to fishing, boating and paddling, lakeside camping and the gear you actually carry down to the dock.
Fresh off the shoreline
Latest lake guides
How to Handle No Wake Zones: Safe Rules for Boating (2026)
Learn how to handle no wake zones safely in : read the signs, get to idle before the marker, hold a steady…
Boating Right of Way Rules Explained: US Guide (2026)
Boating right of way rules explained for , from give-way situations and narrow channels to sound signals, plus a checklist for safer…
How to Tie a Boat to a Dock Properly: 6 Steps (2026)
Learn how to tie a boat to a dock properly in with the right cleats, knots, fenders, spring lines and safety checks…
How to Tie Boat Trailer Straps Correctly (2026 Guide)
Learn how to tie boat trailer straps correctly: winch strap, transom straps, crossed safety chains, coupler spring check, and the final walk-around.
How to Anchor in Wind Without Dragging: Safe Setup (2026)
Learn how to anchor in wind without dragging using the right scope, rode, trip line, and bottom testing for safer boat control…
How to Teach Kids to Wear Life Jackets: 7 Steps (2026)
Learn how to teach kids to wear life jackets in with a calm, repeatable routine, correct fit checks, and boating rules that…
How to Dock a Boat in Crosswind (October 2026)
Learn how to dock a boat in crosswind with a controlled approach, shallow angle, gentle stern drift, fender setup, and safety checks.…
What Boating Safety Gear Is Required on a Lake? (October 2026)
What boating safety gear is required on a lake? Covers life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound and visual signals, nav lights and a…
How to Choose the Right Life Jacket Fit (October 2026)
How to choose the right life jacket fit in : measure your chest, read the label, fasten every strap, then run the…
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A note on the shoreline
The water is better for the people who leave it the way they found it.
Pack out everything you bring in, line and bait wrappers included, and keep a bag in the boat for whatever the last group left behind. Rinse hulls and waders between lakes, and give nesting birds and anglers on the bank a wide berth.