Carp on The Fly Pt. 2

Carp. To the majority of anglers these fish are viewed as "trash fish" that lives "everywhere," however fly fishing for carp can provide challenging and exhilarating opportunity for fly fishermen. Here's why: Carp, contrary to popular belief can be very difficult to target. They spook easy, put up a good fight, and can be very particular in their fly selection.

Recently I have decided to focus more time and effort into getting these amazing fish on the end of a line. Hopefully my pursuit of this "freshwater bonefish," with bring insight to those thinking of targeting these powerful fish with a fly.

1. First things first, where can I find carp?

Anywhere! Seriously, down here in Utah county you can go west to Utah Lake, east to the Provo River, north to the Jordan River, and basically anywhere in-between you can find these fish. Carp can live in a wide range of areas, they prefer lakes and slow moving rivers, especially those with turbid water. They can also live in brackish (slightly salty) waters on both coasts and can withstand high water temperatures.

2. What to throw?

Usually subtle presentations, crawfish, nymphs, shrimp, worms, and basically anything they can slurp off the top of the water. Do your research look for carp tailing (head down, tail in the dirt, feeding) and try to spot what they are feeding on. They can sometimes be seen slurping all sorts of things off the top of the water. As in any situation match the hatch. Below is a carp fly that I personally tie and use when I am fishing.

Tying a Carp Fly:

- Size 4-10 hook

- Lead wire

- Tungsten beads

- Orange/Natural White dubbing

- UV finish thin

3. How to throw it?

Remember, carp are spooky suckers. Throw the fly more than 5-10ft in front of them and let a tailing fish swim to it, adjusting with strips to get it right in his path. Carp are less opportunistic feeders than trout and will pass on flies if they have been spooked or are sunbathing/resting, however, when feeding carp will take just about anything that looks good to them. In my opinion it is not even worth it to chuck a fly at a fast moving carp traveling or a carp just sitting there, rarely will they take. Don't be discouraged, find the right times when the fish are feeding and make sure your fly is in the right place at the right time. Now comes the hard part knowing when to set the hook. A word of caution I used the phrase "set the hook" when I say "set the hook" this isn't a large mouth rip the lips off yank, it is a gentle lifting of the rod to the 12 o'clock position. The fish will head shake to throw the fly and hook itself. This method works well with these fish because of the sucker mouths they have. Keep tension on the fish as you feel the amazing power of a hooked carp. Remember carp may just mouth or smell the fly prior to actually eating it. The more clear the water the better.

All in all, carp are one heck of a fish. Known to some as "trash fish they will always be my "freshwater bonefish." Spooky quarry that will give you an amazing fight, converting to carp fishing has been challenging yet very rewarding experience. An experience I highly recommend!