Off on Vacation Again!

We're off on another trip for vacation again so sorry for the inconvenience with no updated threads for a bit. We will update you when we get back and hope to hear more about your recent outings.

Carp Fishing Lake Michigan, Great Lakes Fly Fishing for Carp!

Exerpt from one of my Fishing Buddies out of Minneapolis Last Week

I got the call and all I could think about was...how soon can I get there. One day hopefully I'll make it back that way Summertime to fish with my pal Clark or even, if lucky enough, a few other Carp addict friend's of mine in the area. It doesn't get much better for Carp if you hit it right so since I'm headed to on another trip shortly, my trip there this year will have to put on hold for another time!

Info sent to me:

Arrived Door County Sunday afternoon to cold front and rain that stayed with us through Wednesday morning when we left the campsite at Peninsula state park. The fly shop that helped was The Fly Fishers in Milwaukee. They were amazing, Peter sent me 5 types of flies, some bone fish leaders, a spool of tippet, and his top two places to fish. It all seems to be on the lake side, out of Bailey's Harbor, about 1/2 hour out from Sturgeon Bay. Three bays there with limited access points, but got out on Monday with mostly clouds but hints of sun, which helped to spot fish. Found them at the point, in water with sand and rocks mixed, average visibility, 2-5 feet deep, water a bit choppy, right off shore, easy casts of 20-40 feet, not as spooky as I expected. First cast a crawdad imitation, orange, size #2. I'd spot them moving, cast in the middle of them, let sit on the sand, strip a foot at a time, then rest it. Then the line went tight. Woe! Hold on. He got me out to my backing on the first run, then made a few other strong, steady surges. My 8 weight Sage was perfect, but it's been awhile since it's seen fish of this size. It was maxed out, the reel did a great job, and eventually landed about a 20 pound fish, give or take a few. Probably 30 inches, but deep and broad with a massive forehead. Beautiful fish.

I switched flies to some bonefish pattern in light color, rubber legged thing, a Charley Crab like pattern. About an hour later, saw a cruiser, hit him just right, he turned and grabbed it and I was on again. Almost identical to the first. Bring a big net so you have the time to get the fly out and get your head screwed back on. I just bought a big Frabil with a short handle, big scoop, that hangs off my belt. Perfect. Of course, it was the one time I didn't have the camera around my neck, so missed the moments, but I'll be back again to snap some photos of one of these beasts. The next days were colder, more wind, rain, darker clouds, making fishing almost impossible. I did scout a bit in the other bays, but with little access, you need to walk or kayak to find pods, then work them. Sun, warmth, and calm waters would be ideal, but they will probably be more spooky. But I'll be back in late July if I can find the time, can't wait!

Green Bay Area Lakes Carp Fishing

MORE AT FLYFISH ADDICTION

Carp Fly Fishing Blogs & Sites To Checkout!

Need more information from other Addicts on how to catch Carp on a fly? Look no more..

Can you really have too much info about how to catch the Goldens, I don't think so. Checkout these guys for some good tips on where to look, conditions to fish in, flies, Lakes vs Rivers, top websites to checkout and more!

I'm far from an expert and these guys have been doing for a long time so check em out for some expert advise and tips that should help you get that 6wt bent over your next trip out.


Dave Whitlock on Carp
Do I need to explain? Dave's the man and can't wait to catch up with him again




Barry Reynolds
Someone that turned me onto Carp a few years ago and after a few books on them, definitely knows a few things about how to catch big Carp, Thanks!



Wyoming Carp Fishing Carp Unlimited
Platte River Fly Shop
He's been pushing Carp for awhile now and people are finally listening



Ian Colin James, AKA Carp Expert
Talk about a ton of knowledge, Mucho days out Carpin a year and more!


Other Sites:
Carp on a Fly Blog
Carp Listings Site
RockyMtnFly


MORE AT FLYFISH ADDICTION

Denver's TU Carp Slam! Fly Fishing Downtown for Goldens

Denver Trout Unlimited's Annual Carp Tourny!

This is a great event every year and glad to talk more about what the boys have planned for the Slam this year. I can still remember back when I was the Activities Chair for the Denver TU helping to start this with the boys and Tim "Fishman" Emery still get's the ball rolling each year. Man has it grown into a Success thanks to him and efforts of some friends at TU each year, sorry I'll be out of town this year so not able to help out! I'm going to miss the antics from our Pal Barry Reynolds again as well and will have to catch up with him on another day out on the water again soon for some carp.

It's brought to you by the Denver Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the South Platte Pro-Am Carp Slam teams up professional and amateur fly fishers to chase the elusive common carp on the waters of South Platte River in and around downtown Denver. The tournament is challenging, and fun! It also benefits restoration efforts taking place on the South Platte in the upper two miles of the river directly below Chatfield Reservoir.

More Here at the Carp Slam Website
INTRODUCTION The Competition Rules are similar to those governing the Fly Fishing Team USA National Fly Fishing Championship (NFFC). If there is any doubt or dispute over any aspect of the Competition Rules before or during the contest, it will be resolved by the Competition Chairman and/or his appointed representatives.
PARTICIPATION Each team consisting of a “Pro” and “Amateur” angler must pay an entry fee. Teams will be determined by a blind draw on the eve of the event.
EQUIPMENT FLY RODS One fly rod, not more than twelve feet/three hundred and sixty-six centimeters in length, may be used at one time. Rods may be rigged and ready to fish. Competitors may have spare fly rods & reels with them. Competitors are responsible for carrying and protecting their own equipment.
FLY LINES Any factory made floating, sinking or sink tip lines may be used.
COMPETITION FLIES Competitors may use floating or sinking artificial flies. Each fly must be dressed on a single hook, without limit as to size. The length of the dressed fly will be at the discretion of the competitor. Weighted flies are permitted. A maximum of three flies is permitted on a line at any one time. No scent may be applied to flies.
DURATION OF EVENTS, AND SCORING There will be two separate scoring sessions for the event. A morning and afternoon beat will be determined by blind draw on the eve of the event. All competitors will have the right to fish an equal number of scoring sessions on each fishing venue. Each scoring session will consist of three hours of fishing. If, for reasons beyond the control of the team, the scoring session amounts to less than the announced period, compensatory time will be allowed. Pro and amateur anglers will alternate fishing at 30 minute intervals. The hours for competition will be set by the Competition Chairman. The respective Controller will be responsible for keeping time for each session.
FISHING BEATS Competition waters will be divided into two sectors, identified by letter.


MORE AT FLYFISH ADDICTION