Understanding Bottom Fill on Garmin LiveScope LVS32 and LVS34

Bottom Fill is a setting on Garmin LiveScope that enhances the bottom display by filling it in with a solid color. This helps make fish and cover near the bottom stand out more clearly by reducing visual clutter from the lake or riverbed. While Bottom Fill can be useful in certain situations, it also has trade-offs that can limit the detail of what’s actually on the bottom.

What Does Bottom Fill Do?

Bottom Fill works by creating a solid layer over the bottom, preventing weaker returns from blending in with it. This can be helpful when trying to:

Make Bottom-Hugging Fish Stand Out: Fish close to the bottom can be easier to see when Bottom Fill removes background noise.
Simplify the Display: A cleaner bottom can help focus attention on fish and cover rather than minor bottom details.
Reduce Clutter in Muddy or Uneven Areas: Soft or sloping bottoms can sometimes produce excessive noise—Bottom Fill smooths it out.

Garmin LiveScope LVS32/34 sonar display showing 2D image of lake bottom at 35 feet depth with temperature reading 87.3°F

Sonar screenshot showing bottom fill reading on Garmin LiveScope LVS32/34 with depth and water temperature displayed

When Should You Use Bottom Fill?

While Bottom Fill can improve visibility in some cases, it isn’t always necessary. Here’s when it can be useful:

When Fish Are Holding Tight to the Bottom: Bottom Fill makes it easier to distinguish fish from structure.
In Areas with a Lot of Bottom Debris: If your LiveScope is picking up too much clutter from rocks, silt, or vegetation, Bottom Fill can help.
When You Want a Simpler Display: Some anglers prefer a cleaner look, especially in shallower water.

However, if you’re fishing structure or need to see fine details, Bottom Fill may hide valuable information.

The Trade-Off: Clean Bottom vs. Lost Detail

While Bottom Fill helps declutter the screen, it can also hide important bottom details:

Hard Bottom Features May Disappear: Rock piles, shell beds, and other hard structures might not stand out as well.
Fish Relating to Structure Can Blend In: If fish are hiding near timber or brush, Bottom Fill might make them harder to spot.
Doesn’t Work Well in Changing Contours: In steeper areas, Bottom Fill can cover the fish that are related to the contour change. .

Final Thoughts

Bottom Fill is a personal preference setting that can help simplify your LiveScope display, but it’s not always the best choice. If you need to see structure and bottom composition, it’s usually better to leave it off. If you’re fishing in soft-bottom areas or just want a cleaner screen, turning it on can be useful.

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