Tactics for fall carp

Fall Cyprinus Carpio

When fall rolls around, I've typically stored the carp flies for the year in preparation for big fall/spring rainbows, smallies, and cackling dakota roosters.  Fall weather can play some pretty cruel tricks on us at times, but it can also bode well for a carp fisherman hoping to get in a few finned fu-man-chus before winter rolls around.  This can also be a frustrating time for carp fishermen.  I recall a few specific occasions as a novice carp angler.

The beautiful fall weather had arrived, but "hot" days (upper 70's, low 80's) were still sporadically placed through late September.  I would stand slapping the water for hours while carp crashed the surface all around me.  The frustration streamed through my veins like whitewater, but I persisted.  Eventually, compatible flies and tactics would come together like a Chuck Woolery inspired game show.  What seems to always hold true, in my experience carp fishing, is that there are rarely "sure thing" tactics for South Dakota bones.  A fly that one fish eats may not work on the next dozen or so that it is presented to.  Of course, fishing conditions and presentation are also factors in this equation, but the dynamic exists and differs from any other fish in the water.  So when you can find a fly pattern, presentation tactic and fishing condition pattern that works more often than not for carp, you've gotta share it with the fishing world!

Carp fishing is usually done using weighted flies dragging them along the bottom.  A viable technique all throughout the year, until fall.  Use that strategy and you might have some difficult days on the water.  Fish are more aggressive this time of year, gorging themselves before the weather changes.  You'll see a number of jumping fish along with fish that join together like a big fishy raft.  Both the rafts and the jumping carp offer great conditions for a fisherman.  Here are two tactics to try on your next fall carp outing.

For Flotillas:  These schools of fish might as well have a cooler filled with carp brews while they lazily drift and dine.  These fish don't spook easily and devour anything that gets in their paths.  For this, a light-weight nymph like the Burt Special or Sparkle Squirrel nymph get's it done every time.  Cast a few feet ahead of the floating fish raft and wait for the line to go tight.  The take will feel more like a snag than a fish.  Give them a second to make sure they've really eaten it (and it's not just stuck on a dorsal/tail fin) before strip setting.   Hooking a fish usually means spooking the raft, but that's ok.  Onto the next flotilla.  This tactic also works very well for sipping fish, although you'll find them harder to present to.  Their movements are random and they spook fairly easily.  More stealth is required.  Just pretend you're a secret agent or something.


Crashing Carp:  I don't really understand anything about what these fish are doing this time of year.  Summer and Fall crashers,  are aggressive,  agitated, and ready to chase a fly.  When they really start crashing (especially on windy days) a short and quick, erratic retrieve has worked best for me.  The takes are fierce and sudden.  I like to use larger beadhead softhackles in black or orange.  The buggier, the better.

Don't put away your favorite carp rod too quickly in the fall.  The fish are still ready and willing if you are.