So I've been finding out that I have a decient Carp population up here with some untouched biggun's. I was wondering about bait options for fairly swift current. I am surprised I haven't caught more than 1 while bottom rigging crawlers, however I've only done it in a few locals and not huge hours, but still less Carp action than a hour on the lower Miss, etc. I've caught Carp on corn before, but only in slack stagnant water. The corn would obviously drift away. I've never tried boilies or cereal foods. Is bottomed crawlers the only/best way to target Carp in current?

There's also not alot of backwaters, so would my best bet be holes? Its a pretty boring river up here averaging 5-7' in the main channel with 11-13' holes every mile or so.

I've never even seen a Carp up here other than the 1 I caught earlier this spring on a crawler. No tailing fish. No hoards of them spawning the shallows in spring. I never even see bowfishers, but according to DNR, Carp are the 2nd most common Roughie up here other than White Suckers, followed 3rd by Shortheads. I catch Shortheads and White's all the time. How should I target Carp?

Sometimes, frozen corn stays on a hook better than canned, especially in stronger current. You could also try small dead minnows (fatheads work). They sometimes work for larger carp, particularly if you get the minnows bleeding and oozing guts into the water. Another bait that can work is waxworms. I've caught decent sized carp by using 2-3 plump waxworms on a #8 or #6 hook. Covering the hook tip can also help motivate finicky carp to take the bait, since they are sometimes shy around pointy hook tips. Also, in strong current, carp will often come VERY close to shore into shallow water, especially at night. Don't hesitate to try up close, especially if you see swirls in the water or movement near shore.

when I think current, crawlers come to mind, they're a great bait. Like the last response said, try close to the bank in the evening. You will definitely see an increase in feeding behavior at that time. Definitely try corn as well, and maybe bread balls too. Sweetening the bait is a good idea, add some jello powder to the corn. If they are still hard to entice, look for any kind of current break they could be using.

I have caught carp in current on corn. I had to throw a lot of corn out and I threw it half of it a bit up stream of where I intended to fish. This was a small shallow river loaded with carp though and I may not have had to chum at all. I caught over a dozen in an hour but they were all small. I also caught black bullheads on the corn too. I got both my carp and my bullhead for the 2009 species contest in this river.

I wonder if you could throw out a can of cream corn attached to a rope or string and puncture small holes all over on the unopened can. Then fish where the can is. As long as you make sure the can is secured to the rope so you don't risk littering or being accused of it.

Garmaster Bob in WI wrote:

QUOTE:
I wonder if you could throw out a can of cream corn attached to a rope or string and puncture small holes all over on the unopened can. Then fish where the can is. As long as you make sure the can is secured to the rope so you don't risk littering or being accused of it.

I love the idea! Thanks guys.

Speaking of carp in the current, I caught this one today below a dam on the Eau Claire River. There were 2 gates open and the river was ripping. All the fish we caught were in the slack areas out of the strong current. Once I hooked this beast it took off for the heavy current where I was able to tire it and bring it back. It took a crawler down from a float. Also notice how skiny this carp was.

Awesome fish CB. I bet it feels good to be on some "home" waters?

I actually scouted a sweet looking spot on the side of a dam tailout thats mostly sandy. My next free afternoon will be spent there, average 10-13 FOW. Anyone know where I can get one of those Carp slingshots? I'd really like to spread a fine bed of corn out and this spot is almost like a small lake (the ONLY sort of backwater around). I'm pumped and just need time now.

Man, I hope we pass the 2 line rule for next year. Anyone hear of any news yet?

Mags BFS has a throwing spoon.
http://www.bankfishingsystems.com/index.php?option=com_digistore&task=list_products&id=1&Itemid=72


Also I would like to add that there was a malfunction with C&B's reel during this fight making it harder to catch and I lost skin on those slippery rocks landing that bugger.

Outdoors4life wrote:

QUOTE:
Also I would like to add that there was a malfunction with C&B's reel during this fight making it harder to catch and I lost skin on those slippery rocks landing that bugger.

Icy weather...slippery rocks...it doesn't matter what it is, Aaron will suffer anything to help another angler land a fish...way to be a team player!

This time of year dams can be good. Don't rule out surface feeders there either.

This is how I see carps relation to current. If there is a lot then they will seek less. When there is no current is seems that they seek out some.

Shore related current breaks, often host the best action for me. Casting to the least current side of the break.

CULVERTS=carp.

Carp use riffles too.

On a side note I have seen guys bowfishing from the Airport rd. access in Brainerd.

Agree Fins!

I had a carp snap me off almost instantly the same setup Mike was using. Another place I target carp by a dam they feed off the algae that grows on the wall and the will chase after any food more tasty.

Muskymags wrote:

QUOTE:
Anyone know where I can get one of those Carp slingshots? I'd really like to spread a fine bed of corn out and this spot is almost like a small lake (the ONLY sort of backwater around). ?

You can save money and outdo a slingshot at any farm store in the US, just head to the feed stacks and grab a 50# bag of Layena Chicken feed. It's the 3-part mix we were yakkin' about during the winter months...Layena-QOats-Bread Crumb. Cheap attraction in bulk and gives you hellacious versatility in different water types. Baseballs, golf balls, weighted disc shapes, scattered loose packs, options limited by your needs and creativity. Don't get me goin' on feeders and bait-packable slip sinkers.

IOW, just search the words "groundbait" on this forum and hunt down some of Matchman's posts on the subject. Really, if you add corn to the mix and some gravel, this stuff will get down there and draw carp and cats like anything.

Corn alone does work well and I've used it for years, but the GB really bumps it up a notch in drawing fish and it's easier to get it (and keep it) where you need without additional equipment.

MNbowfinangler wrote:

QUOTE:
Outdoors4life wrote:

QUOTE:
Also I would like to add that there was a malfunction with C&B's reel during this fight making it harder to catch and I lost skin on those slippery rocks landing that bugger.

Icy weather...slippery rocks...it doesn't matter what it is, Aaron will suffer anything to help another angler land a fish...way to be a team player!

It should also be said that Aaron can hurt himself on just about anything.

-Just messin'-

Hengelaar

=)

If you were to go to the north shore and chase pink salmon with me you would se my head bounding off those rocks! Cast&Blast was worried the first couple times but laughing by the 10 time. I did get a headache!

You guys crack me up!