CARP FISHING TIPS AND TRICKS

Aug 3, 2020 | Reno Fly Shop, Stillwater, Technique

I N T R O :

As summer temperatures rise, so do river alternatives. Reno and the surrounding area offers unique summer fishing opportunities such as high alpine escapes or carp filled waters. Fishing for carp on the fly is a new experience for a lot of people, but can make for a very fun summer’s day.

A few misconceptions can occur about this wide mouthed species. Nevada hosts the Common Carp, a golden yellow fish that can grow to be as big as 47 inches, and live to be as old as 38 years!

The key to fishing for carp is patience. Taking your time is crucial and will greatly increase your chance of success, as this is a sight fishing game.

T I P :

A great standard for this fishing style is LOOK, WAIT and OBSERVE.

- - LOOK – More often than not, carp will be basking and not in an active feeding behavior. Find and target actively feeding fish, as these will be much easier to catch and not alert other fish to be wary of your proximity.
  - WAIT – once feeding fish are found, slow down and make sure you understand their behavior. Pay attention to direction of travel… are they eating on the bottom, mid column or on top? Is there a fish that is more active than others? Is there one that is larger than the others?
  - OBSERVE – Details of behavior and the environmental conditions can impact overall success. Wind, sun conditions can play a pivotal role in allowing you to see fish and having them not see you. Slow down and take in the details of the surroundings.

G E A R :

Carp are known to be a head strong fish to bring in, and landing one in the net can be as dramatic as landing a Pyramid Cutthroat.

We recommend a sturdy long handled net, and maybe even a fishing buddy to help land them.

A 6-8wt rod and 6/7/8 wt reel with a sturdy drag are needed. You will want a floating fly line.

Use a 7.5 ft 3X tapered leader as this is a great start as it can be lengthened if more delicate presentation is needed.

We recommend 3X tippet, in either Cortland’s Top Secret, or Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon tippet.

A pair of polarized sunglasses can go a long way. Polarized lenses may give you an advantage in sight casting to these fish, as well as blocking out bright high sun.

Our exclusive Carp Dozen is a selection of 12 staff favorite carp flies.

: Squirmy Hybrid

: Carp Tickler Orange

: Carp Tickler Green

: Carp Worm

This dozen is only available through the month of August, and comes with a FREE Casey Underwood Carp fish decal!

P R E S E N T A T I O N :

Carp are intelligent fish, and have an air bladder that is connected to their lateral line. This makes them very adept at sensing vibration and movement in the water and sometimes even as far as the shore. Therefore when carp are feeding they have a singular focus, allowing us to make close accurate casts to present our fly.

The key is dropping you fly to where the carp is looking. Let’s imagine that a carp is wearing a baseball hat. With the hat on, there is a limit to the extent of their visual field when feeding. Your goal is to drop your fly inches in front of the carp within its visual field. Land your fly softly.

If your cast presentation is slightly off, you can skate or drag your fly slowly into place to make sure that it drops vertically into the fish’s visual field. Carp are less likely to take a fly that is already sitting in the mud even if you try to twitch it to entice it.

L O C A T I O N :

They don’t always only live singularly in ugly, dirty places. They are tolerant of most conditions, and are commonly found in slow moving or still water, with an abundance of vegitative sediment. The eastern portion of the Truckee River and certain eastern stillwaters can host a plethora of carp.

In the summertime carp have moved into slower moving water to feed and sunbathe. The best fishing conditions are about mid-day with high sun and clear skies. These conditions make them the most visible to anglers. A slow stealthy approach is key. Carp have very keen senses. Their vision, hearing and sense of vibration allow them to find forage and avoid threats.

Look out for the new episode of the Reno Fly Shop podcast, Episode #53 with John Bartlett… host Jim Litchfield and Bartlett discuss carp fishing on the fly and more. Episode premieres August 7th, and will be available through the website, or wherever you download podcasts.

And don’t forget to enter our Season of the Carp Raffle…

Come by the shop and enter your name for a chance to win a Reno Fly Shop branded neck gaiter and custom wading belt! Entries will be accepted throughout the month of August and a winner will be selected August 31st.