I approach finding a new area as testing a hypothesis. Based on what you know about the behavior of your target and other conditions, you make a prediction about where the fish will be…then you test it.

Of course, the first thing I do is figure out the known spots then try up and down stream from them. I use topological maps of the river floor to figure out possible new spots.

Others have mentioned Google maps. I find Google Earth to be even better for this purpose. Even though the satellite photos might not be real time, you can still see areas of current and sometimes, underwater structures. I also use it to mark my favorite spots. They have measurement tools so I can figure out if a possible new spot is within my casting range.

Each new spot is a hypothesis, you test it by actually fishing there. This isn’t a theoretical endeavor.

Not much beats finding a new spot. It cracks me up though that your "new" spot will become general knowledge up and down the river within a day or two.

I have access to the number of fish caught at certain stretches of river over time (years). I may be getting carried away but I study this information to determine where I should be at certain times of the year,

However, even within these stretches of river, you still have to find the right spots.

Again, knowing your target fish is paramount. I also find it instructive to know the behavior of the exemplar fisherman. If they migrate, I am likely to follow their lead. Then, I pick their brains to determine their reasoning.
References :

creek outlets
References :

http://hummingbird-fish-finder.com/?page_id=43

this is my choice

or google fishfinders = ))
References :
google.com