http://susquehannafishing.com/
By Brad Wilson
In recent years, the common carp (member of Cyprinus Carpio) has, in this country, become a popular game fish. Carp have gone from a bottom-feeding “junk” fish to what many have named “the freshwater bone fish.” This is due to its feeding manner… head in the mud, tail in the air. They do this mainly in shallow water along shore lines or shallow seams in rivers. Carp grow rapidly (world record carp 82 lbs, 3 oz, caught in Romania), and attain sexual maturity about their third year. Carp have even been known to live more than 40 years in captivity. Some people think carp are one of the easier fish to catch… this couldn't be farther from the truth. Carp have excellent hearing, as well as eyesight, making them a challenging pursuit.
In the past several years I have made it a point to visit a local river that holds an excellent population of some big carp. There's something really exciting about wading upstream behind a mud cloud being made by a feeding carp. Now is the time to put the same stalking tactics used for trout to work. One bad move or kicking of a stone will result in a rocketing carp making a getaway! The ideal position to cast from is either side of the fish, and remember: “low and slow!” Stay well behind and make sure to keep the leader and line from splashing down above the fish. That's why fishing off to the sides is an important thing to do. Polarized glasses are highly recommended. Being able to see the fish will drastically improve your success rate.
An 8-9 wt fly rod with a nice sized reel loaded up with plenty of backing will do. I like to use an 8 ft leader, 10-12 lb, and I use a small split shot about a foot or two above the fly. This makes sure the fly will settle down on the bottom. Clothing is also very important; wear a drab shirt and hat, and leave the bright attire at home. Most of the time you will be only 10-15 ft away, and remember carp have great eyesight!
Now for the flies I use with very good success. My first choice is a fly I started using several years ago, after acquiring several nice 12-16” eel skins from a tyer at one of the fly-tying symposiums. Eel skin is great for many fly applications due to its flowing, life-like movement when wet and it's smell. Carp, besides having great sight and hearing, also have an excellent sense of smell. If you can find eel skin (it is available, but you really have to look), you might want to try this fly I have named “carp sushi.”
Hook: I use Mustad 3366 #6-8, but any short-shanked strong hook will work
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: Two V-shaped slips of eel skin (to make the eel tie on easier, moisten skin where it will be tied on)
Under Body: Several wraps of lead wire
Body: Bill's Wooly Bugger maribou chenille (Bill Skilton – USA Flies)
Wings: Two more eel skin slips, half the length of tail
Collar: Brown hackle
When wet, this fly has great life-like movement. Even at rest it is effective due to the smell of the eel skin. If you can't find eel skin, you can substitute this fly with several other “hot” carp flies, another being “Clouser's Darter” pattern (designed by Bob Clouser).
Hook: TMC 811S
Thread: Olive 6/0
Body/tail: Orange dyed calf's tail
Over-wing: Gold flashabou and red krystal flash
Wing: Olive calf's tail
Eyes: Black lead barbel eyes
My prediction for the future of fly-fishing for carp is bright, due to the challenge of landing a 10+ lb fish on a fly, as well as the fact that carp can be found in most rivers, ponds, and lakes. So, get out there and remember, “low and slow”, and hang on tight when hooking those freshwater bones! Much luck!
Brad Wilson has been fly fishing and tying in the mountains of Pennsylvania for 18 years. Two fly tying mentors had a big influence on his tying more than anyone, George Harvey and Paul Jorgensen. He has had several articles published and plans on continuing to write about the sport he loves.
