The fish are being very elusive and I've lost track of all the blank sessions. I was convinced I'd figure them out doing a full 24hr session but not even a nibble. I did get a screamer at 9pm and it was just a beaver that swam through my line. Once the river started to freeze over I haven't been able to figure them out. Even with a recent warm front (40s F) the fishing is slow. Single digit temps coming soon will likely freeze a majority of the open water. I'll be limited to fishing below locks and dams where the flow keeps the water open.
Posted by GoneOffTheGrid365
4 Comments
Carp fishing in winter is hard going, especially on big areas of water. They don’t patrol around as much in the cold so really need to find where they hold up
Below certain temps, carp don’t digest food in the same way and their metabolism changes significantly. You’re not fishing for the same bites as you are in warmer months. Good going on the 24! It’s hard going the first time and gutting when you don’t catch. In winter you’re fishing for one or two bites unless you can find some warmer water. Some places like power plant outlets can be good as they pump warmer water back into rivers and carp love it. They will sit in sun warmed bays too. Truth is, do your 24s in spring-autumn. Winter they suck for no real pay off.
I’m in a syndicate here in the UK and I went an entire year without a single bite. Worked my arse off, thought I knew the fish, thought I’d cracked it every session, nope, basically just camping.
It’ll pay off, good job getting out! Especially at this time of year.
gotta go to where the fish are
River carp fishing is sketchy at the best of times, but in the winter, especially so. The carp will hold up in an area that could be miles from where you’re fishing.
I don’t know your local area, but if you can, get on a lake you know where there’s plenty of carp. At least this way you’ll be increasing your chances of a winter result.
Sweetcorn, or a hi-viz pop up soaked in attraction. Target the areas of the lake that receives the most sunlight and pre-bait an area with a handful of baits for a few days before fishing.