If they are not feeding, you can forget it. You do need to get the fly down to where they are feeding. As for hooks, I would recommend staying between a #12 and #6. I've caught them on a #10 BH Lil Bugger, a #8 Craw, and a #6 Barry's Carp Fly.

If you see the puffs of mud while they are feeding, watch to see which way they are moving as they feed. Try and cast your fly close, especially in stained water. In a river situation, it can just become nymphing like you would for Trout.


Check out the site below for Carp flies. The guy here who specializes in guided Carp trips uses only 3 flies - Barry's Fly, the Lil Bugger, and Clouser's Swimming Nymph

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/c-219-carp.aspx