Carp are a hardy and robust species of fish, renowned for their vigorous fight and unique ability to test your fly fishing skills. Found ubiquitously across the UK, carp present a captivating challenge for both beginner anglers and seasoned professionals alike.
When the fish are confidently feeding, it’s the prime time to present your fly amongst the free baits and patiently wait for a strike. Achieving the right presentation is crucial to avoid spooking the fish. Ensure your fly matches the size of the free baits and is delivered gently onto the water’s surface.
The peak of fly life and invertebrates in many waters provides an ideal opportunity for fly fishing. This is when every fish, from the diminutive dace to the sizable carp, switches focus to natural food sources. Clear, intimate waters often yield the best results for fly fishing for coarse fish, offering an addictive challenge of spotting and casting to visible fish.
Our top-selling fly package, “Carp on the Fly,” is perfect for those who have mastered casting. It includes 8 hours of dry fly sight fishing for carp weighing up to 30lb, using 5-7wt rods. This experience is arguably the best sport fishing available in the UK, and certainly in London, providing a day full of chasing big fish with light tackle.
Summer brings warmer temperatures, and when trout fishing becomes challenging, fly fishing for carp can offer some much-needed action. The video showcased in this guide features a fish caught at Burton Springs Fishery in Somerset, a location that actively encourages fly anglers to target carp when the trout are less active.
For tackle, opt for a 6-8 weight fly rod, a floating line, an 8-12lb leader, and a fly resembling a daddy longlegs or an imitation dog biscuit made from deer hair. The best conditions for fly fishing for carp are on a warm, sunny day. Look in quiet lake corners, often near the margins, for fish basking on the surface. Prioritize getting the fish to feed confidently before presenting your fly.
In recent years, fly fishing for carp has seen a surge in popularity, marking a significant shift in perception from once being labeled a “trash” fish in the US. Carp are resilient, breed easily, and were initially cultivated as an affordable food source.
For an action-packed summer carp fly fishing experience, gear up with a 9’ – 10’ 7 – 8 weight fly rod, adjusting your equipment based on the size of fish you anticipate catching and the snag risks in your fishing area. Ensure you use a quality fly reel equipped with a smooth, powerful drag, and pair it with a floating fly line.
To learn more and deepen your understanding of fly fishing for carp, explore the following resources:
Orvis UK’s Ultimate Guide to Fly Fishing for Carp
Fly Fishing For Carp – Tactics, Tackle, and Tips
Guide to Carp, Chub & Roach Fly Fishing
‘Big Fish on Light Tackle’ – Fly Fishing for Carp
Neil Keep Fly Fishing
5 Easy Steps to Help You Catch Your First Carp
Fly Fishing for Carp – Tips and Tricks
Carp Fly Fishing Guide & Action Video
Shop Fly Fishing Flies for Carp on Amazon UK
