I headed out to my favorite stream yesterday morning with my 3wt. With the little bit of rain we have had, I was hoping the fishing would pick up. As I headed to my starting spot I noticed some Carp and went over to see what was happening. It was a pod of 4 fish trying to bump uglies, so I knew not to even bother with them. I spent 2 hours and got a few very healthy Rock Bass and a few fun Smallies, but nothing near the numbers I was hoping for. It was still a good morning as I watched a doe and her fawn come down to drink and a pair of Kingfishers flew around me.
About 9:30 I started back and noticed some activity in a slackwater area behind a small island. The commotion was more Carp doing their thing. I started to leave, but noticed a few other Carp that appeared to be feeding - nose down, making mud clouds. I quickly tied on a brown & cream BH Lil Bugger and commenced to fish. I lined a couple before I got the technique down. I dropped the fly about 12" ahead of them in the direction they were going and about one try in five resulted in a hook up. I snagged the first one when I thought he had picked up the fly. I hooked him in one of his pectorals and the fight was on. I was getting him close when my rod popped up and I thought I had broken off, but the fly just pulled out. I went back to the hole and ended up hooking and landing 3 more beauties, each taking 15+ minutes to land. I was able to actually see the 3 fish take the fly, it was incredible. A bike path runs right next to the river and I ended up having an audience for all 4 fish. I love it when a day goes from “that was fun” to “WOW!!!”
Nice! That sounds like fun! Maybe you sparked some interest, and created some new fly fishing junkies!! :lol:
nen-bran
carp on 3 wt. ok so my 9 wt is over kill
Backwoods - I had been using my 5wt until a couple of weeks ago. I was stream fishing for SM, etc., when I just happened to interest a Carp. I thought for sure that I would lose him. Just make sure you have a good drag and never be in a hurry. There’s a Carp guide in my area who uses a 00wt. for Carp and Steelies! I’m sure not there yet.
We have some rather large carp at a local park and I have considered giveing them a shot on my 5/6 wt. After hearing your adventure I think I might go for it.
hmmm i think you will soon be a carp junky!
Admittedly, Ive never caught a carp and dont target them. That being said, when I have happened upon them they seem extremely skiddish and usually in very shallow water. I would think then the best way to target them is with light tackle. When I have thrown a 5wt their way, seems I cant lay it down soft enough with that fast action rod. A 3 weight on the other hand with a very soft action I would imagine would temp them easier. Just a thought
then how do people catch them on 9 weights? :?
Veerryy Carefully!!!
All carp I have caught (more than 30, less than 50) have been on 8wt or heavier rods. I usually fish the Red River in Manitoba for them, and as such, presentation isn’t as important as the fly being right in front of the fish’s face. I would imagine the following works on clear waters as well, but I haven’t successfully tried it with carp as yet.
I short cast to the fish using a weighted nymph (prince nymph is my most successful), and let the fly drop to the bottom in the carp’s feeding lane. I will then lightly jig the fly as I slowly retrieve it, similar to the gear fishing tactic of jigging, but on a much smaller scale. I would create the jigging action with short, quick line retrieves (4 inches at a time) rather than with the rod tip. Make sure you wait to let the fly drop back to the bottom.
I use a heavier leader such as 12lb fluorocarbon and it doesn’t seem to hurt. Using this technique gives me a pretty good connection with the fly, and I can usually tell when the fly has been taken. Make sure your fingers aren’t near the reel handles. I have had mine smacked but good on one occasion.
I fish in Stephen’s neck of the woods and have recently come upon a spot where the carp hold in back eddies of a fast-flowing stretch of prairie river. Here’ the water is murky enough that I can’t sight-fish, but what works is swinging a fly downstream and, as it moves into the back eddy, slowly retrieving it. The amazing thing is that, when they hit, it’s like a freight train and they generally run into the current, heading across or upstream! I’m left, holding on (to my 9wt) hoping they’ll show me a little respect but, alas, I’m usually left reeling in a long length of limp line. I’ve managed to land three in the last two trips, the biggest 33". Man, if these fish jumped, they’d put salmon to shame! My best fly has been a bright yellow weighted San Juan worm, tied on a #8 shrimp/caddis hook. Next time, using a two-fly rig, I’ll give the Prince nymph a try…TIM
Good stuff and welcome to the other side!
Good stuff and welcome to the other side!
I think I have to come out of the closet and declare that I prefer carp (and catfish) fishing over just about any other species on the fly rod…(There: now that I’ve said it, I feel much better)…TIM
Went out for an hour before work this morning and caught 2 in the South Platte ahh to get out and see my backing all before 9am i shard to beat!