Catch carp on a fly? I’m probably using a fly that won’t work worth beans, but, what about presentation, floating, sinking, etc? How do you folks do it? I have a nice deep pool where I practice fishing. There’s lots of rockies in there, some smallies, but lots and lots of big carp!!
If anyone could please help me out I’d greatly appreciate it.
I catch them by accident. I can’t say that I have ever targeted them specifically. This past Saturday morning I was fishing a river for smallies. On my second cast using a foxee clouser, wham! Turned out to be a 2# carp. Heck of a fight on a 5wt.
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
Spin some blue or purple deer hair on a hook to make about a half inch long football shape, find a muhlberry tree hanging over the water when the berries are dropping, and cast it right in there. Granted, it’s seasonal, but makes for some quick pandamonium. :lol: