Carpin

[Joni]

Me too, that is why I ran home and grabbed my gear. I looked the water over really well and saw tail tips every so often.

[bugslinger]

Joni, you must have some great weather there, I went out yesterday and the water temp is only 33 in the shallows on a small pond. nothings moving yet, too early for NW Pa. When we see constant 50's around spring Turkey then I'll see them shallow. Great looking fish.


Charlie

[Joni]

It has been insane cold here. This week we made it into the 40's for highs, but still 20's for lows. Ice just came off this pool, and I am guessing from wind more than temps.

[john montana]

I got three about a week ago:



Saw enough of this to give it a go:



That is the earliest I have had luck, and only one spot out of several that I checked had any fish showing. Realistically, we have a ways to go out here. Glad others are seeing some activity!

[cincyspey]

Nice fish...been pretty chilly here in so. Oh. Still waiting

[bugslinger]

John you amaze me, great fish and a fantastic hat, wink, wink.

Charlie

[fichy]

Thanks for sharing your success, John and Joni. Earliest ever for me was April 10th, if I don't cheat and travel to Tenn. or Ca.
If we ice out beginning of April , I can fish a large flat above a dam in my yak. Every year it provides some fun sleigh rides. I should look into areas 4-5 hrs. south of upstate NY/Vt for earlier chances. What are the coldest temps you find them active in? Mid-40's for me.


Charlie

[john montana]

Originally Posted by bugslinger

fantastic hat, wink, wink.

Charlie

I love my bugslinger hat Charlie!

[ditz]

Filchy....are you say'n the carp are active in TN in April? I live just south of Nashville but I have never seen any carp in the small creeks that I fish. I do have a couple of places to check out this year. It has been colder than normal this year so I have not yet been on the water.

[fichy]

ditz, I use to take regular Spring trips to E. Tenn. Most of my time was spent chasing trout on the South Holston and the Watauga, but I had some other favorites. I don't know if you've ever been to Sevierville or Pigeon Forge, but there's some good carp water there that I fished in early April. Lots of fly fishing in April in Tenn. I liked chasing the White bass runs and fishing Melton Hill and Kingston for stripers. I think Kingston is still out of the question, after the ash pond disaster. If you want specific info, send me a message- I have friends whose spots I wouldn't burn on an open forum. I've also seen some huge ones on the Lower Holston I tried for while
floating for early smallies. A friend who guides there is starting to target carp . For early carp, look for flats and mud banks that hold crayfish and warm up quick in the spring sun. I think I just told you what fly to use... Sunny days in the afternoon work best. You may also have to fish dingy water and fish by feel after spotting carp movements. I know that's pretty unpopular, but it's been productive for me, and my only choice in many places. Sometimes all you'll see is a bulge in the water. Carp displace a lot. I've fished with some excellent carp flyfisherman in Ca. that consistently fish waters with very low visibility. Learn to look for small clues.