Lift Nets

Lift nets are stationary fishing structures that work by raising and lowering a net frame to trap fish in a confined area. Unlike cast nets or seines that move through the water, lift nets stay in one location—anchored to the bottom or suspended from a platform—and rely on timing and positioning to catch fish as they pass overhead. They're used in both freshwater and saltwater settings, from small ponds and rivers to coastal bays, and they range from simple hand-operated designs to large commercial operations.

These guides cover how lift nets function in different water types, where to find them or use them legally, what species they typically catch, and the seasonal patterns that make them effective. You'll learn about regional regulations, the specific conditions that favor lift net fishing, and how to identify productive locations based on water depth, current, and fish behavior.