Southern Tier Fishing - Flyfishing for Carp in the Chemung River

Southern Tier Fishing	"Flyfishing for Carp in the Chemung River"
How-To Series

Over the last several years, I've used my fly rod more and more when fishing the Chemung River. And of course, in fishing for smallmouth bass, I've seen numerous large carp feeding in the shallows along shore, or among the weeds growing in the still backwater eddies and ponds adjoining the river. I began reading about catching carp on flies and started experimenting. After several years, I've had enough success that I now always carry a few carp flies with me, and frequently stop to try my luck and skill against what must be the most spooky, selective, hard to catch, and hardest fighting fish in the river -- the carp.

The following are basic techniques, flies, and equipment that I've used successfully. Certainly there must be others and I don't profess to know them all, my goal is simply to pass along what has worked for me.

Q: What sort of gear do I need?
A: The same flyfishing outfit can be used for both smallmouth bass and carp fishing in the Chemung River. A 8-1/2 foot long, 6 weight graphite rod, floating weight forward line, and a disc drag reel works well. A good drag and plenty of backing are essential.

Q: What sort of leader should I use?
A: A tapered monofilament leader starting with 12 or 14 pound test and tapering to 4 or 6 pound test will be strong enough to land the fish, and supple enough to turn over the flies and let them land softly.

Q: What flies should I carry?
A: A damselfly nymph and my own 'carp fly' are both shown in this photo: Carp flies. I've also caught carp on small muddler minnows (size 10), and on a large deer hair irresistable.

Q: What locations in the river are best?
A: If you really want a lot of chances to stalk carp, look for long flat stretches with a flat, open riverbank to walk on and allow ample room for a backcasts. You can also find carp in most still water cutoffs, eddies, and side channels, but wading can be difficult and dangerous, and you are more likely to spook the fish. If you really want the ultimate challenge, then this is where you should go.

Q: What times of day are best?
A: Carp seem to feed throughout the day, from first light through twilight. During the day they are most likely going to be mudding or feeding along the river's edge, and towards twilight may start feeding on hatching insects or bugs that fall into the water.

Q: How do I fish to a 'mudding' carp?
A: In my experience these are the toughest carp to catch, since they are up to their eyes in cloudy water most of the time, and can't see your flies unless it is very close. One tactic that has worked for me is to fish from far upstream and drift a small muddler in front of the fish, holding it in front of the fish until the fish looks up.

Q: How do I fish to a carp feeding in very shallow water near the edge of the river?
A: Stand well back from the river's edge, above the fish, and cast a quarter downstream, so most of the line is on the dry river bank and just the leader and maybe a little fly line is in the water. Let the current bounce the nymph down and across the carp's field of view. For this type fishing, a small indicator is useful to see when the fish actually takes the fly in its mouth.

Q: How do I fish to a carp in still water?
A: In still water, use a very small fly (like a #12) and cast it about a foot to one side or the other of the fishes head. The carp will definitely see and hear the fly, and if it's not too large to be threatening, it will often cruise over for a taste. Watch the end of your line carefully and set the hook the moment you see stoppage or backward movement of your line.

Much more could be written but this should get you started. If you really get serious then maybe you'll go so far as to tie up some cottonseed and mulberry flies, just in case.