Carp Flies

[Frank Briggs]

With not wanting to fish for smallies during the spawn thinking of targeting carp. With very low levels on my local water the carp seem to be bunching up in the deeper pools. What would you guys recommend for flies to target these  carp? 

[tjtroester]

whitlock's squirrel tail nymph with some rubberband legs is a good choice.

 

[John Gillio]

When they are tailing, I have had luck with a size 8-10 black marabou leach tied with a black pull chain dumbbell head. Black rubber legs help. I have had them on other dark colored nymphs too, as well as small crayfish patterns. The trick is to time it so it moves near the carps head as it is feeding.  Hits are often hard to detect so a soft hook set if you see the fish turn its head often works and it doesn’t pull the fly to far away so the fish may strike again.

[Joel Gonzalez]

I like the Umpqua Backstabber, and it is not difficult to tie.

[Rob G]

I've used a lot of different flies to catch carp, often when I'm not targeting them but I have more confidence in Clouser's Swimming nymph and/or a small woolly bugger than anything else.  This below is the one I often start out with as it mimics a small crayfish or swimming nymph.  I also like the upward hook orientation as I think it's maybe better at grabbing that fleshy upper lip. 

 

 

[John Gillio]

1 hour ago, Rob G said:

I've used a lot of different flies to catch carp, often when I'm not targeting them but I have more confidence in Clouser's Swimming nymph and/or a small woolly bugger than anything else.  This below is the one I often start out with as it mimics a small crayfish or swimming nymph.  I also like the upward hook orientation as I think it's maybe better at grabbing that fleshy upper lip. 

 

 

Oh Rob!  That looks like a good one. What size hook do you prefer for that one?

[Rob G]

3 hours ago, John Gillio said:

Oh Rob!  That looks like a good one. What size hook do you prefer for that one?

John, as with many of my carp flies, tied on a Mustad 3366 size 6.  As you know, a cheap hook but plenty strong, unfortunately they often come with a poor point.  I always spend some time with my files making sure it is wicked sharp before it goes into my fly box. 

[John Gillio]

5 hours ago, Rob G said:

John, as with many of my carp flies, tied on a Mustad 3366 size 6.  As you know, a cheap hook but plenty strong, unfortunately they often come with a poor point.  I always spend some time with my files making sure it is wicked sharp before it goes into my fly box. 

👍

[colindanenberger]

I've hooked 3 carp on a mink and ice dub golden brown. Jig.   1/80 oz jig head, mink for the tail and mink and golden brown ice dub mixture.  I  will say I never landed one. But it was loads of fun.

[Rob G]

Can you post a photo Colin ?

[colindanenberger]

Yes I can. I'll have to find some.  Hold on 

[colindanenberger]

[colindanenberger]

These are tied on a euro jig 

Solted tungsten bead- 3.5 mm

Euro jig size 12 barbless 

Tail- mink

Body- golden brown ice dub and mink

Collar- golden brown ice dub

[John Gillio]

Colin, that looks like a good one too. Nicely tied.

[Ben K.]

Those both look like they would catch anything. Nice work. I might order some of those jig hooks myself.  

[Rob G]

One of the better places for those slotted tungsten beads....

https://www.allenflyfishing.com/slotted-tungsten-beads/

[colindanenberger]

https://www.outdoornews.com/2016/07/25/odd-finned-carp-pulled-from-im-canal-creates-e-wave-of-fish-talk-photo/

 

John found your article my freind David caght one in bloominton Illinois 

[colindanenberger]

No

 

 

[John Gillio]

1 hour ago, colindanenberger said:

No

 

 

Cool looking carp! What did he hook that one on?

[colindanenberger]

John I'll have to ask him. I'll let you know