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I remember when I first started seriously chasing carp with the fly rod and the first major hurdle I had to cross was where to look.  According to the books they are everywhere, which is somewhat true, but where should we, as carp anglers, start looking to find some great spots to catch carp?  Plus many DNR/F&G websites have lake lists where you can find some good shallow lakes to take a look at.
 
  The very first thing to do is call or e-mail the local DNR or Fish and Game biologists.  The grunts who are out in the field doing shocking surveys and know some of the best fishable water in the state.  They usually have a few spots they can clue you in on, and unlike gamefish spots, they are not too worried about sharing carp locations.

The second place to scour for information is on bowfishing association bulletin boards and blogs.  Regardless of what you think of the practice of bowfishing, they are looking for some of the same water we are, places to sight carp.

Finally, the biggest help after getting some names of bodies of water, is to use satellite imaging.  Free and easy to use Google Earth, and Microsoft Live Virtual Earth will let you zoom in on water, showing flats and backwaters, access roads, and everything you may want to do some on-line scouting.  The perfect way to kill some time in the winter, on a stormy day, or while bored at work.

The best thing you can do as a carp angler, is be prepared.  Find some bodies of water, find some hidden lakes and streams, and you will find more and bigger fish.