Generation: Carp on the fly
The new generation of carp anglers

by Derek Rivchin

Carp on the fly, this is a trending hashtag on Instagram and ever growing. Its so much more than a corny hash tag though. I know I have personally bragged about catching a carp using all fly fishing gear and even started a guide service based on basically, catching carp on a fly. It’s a way of life for the ones that really enjoy it. Carp fishing is always on my mind, I’ve spent so much time and money on these “trash fish” and I’m still not sick of them. They consume our lives.

The basic principle is using a fly rod and reel setup with a fly to catch a carp. Keep in mind this is usually all done while sneaking up within feet of a carp or making a long cast at a feeding carp. This is usually all visual, stalking and watching the carp eat your fly is why we do it.

The actual fly line is a synthetic plastic type line and the leader is tapered floro or mono line. Usually 10lb test is a fair starting place. The flies used are usually based on bugs, fish, crustaceans or even fruits/buds of plants.

Like an unhooking mat, a good net will make your life and the fish’s life easier. I do practice C.P.R. (Catch Photo Release). Any other gear is pretty much up to the angler.

Looking for carp to target with a fly is usually done by boat or foot. It’s a pretty engaging way to fish as you’re basically covering large amounts of water. Yeah, it’s basically a stalking game. The carp that I like to targeting are in shallow flats. One reason why we target these “flats” carp are so we can spot them while casting and if they decide to eat the fly, we will be able to see that to make the hook set.

Most casts need to get the fly inches away from actively feeding carp and sometimes feet ahead of a skittish tailing carp. Accuracy is pretty critical. For my guide trips I usually use my 16’ skiff, it can draft in inches of water and with the raised poling platform, I can spot and sneak right up on carp for my clients.

The beauty of carp on the fly is, it doesn’t care who you are. Anyone can catch a carp with a fly rod and if you think you’re too good for carp, then you’re selling yourself short. I get cold shouldered all the time when I tell people I’m a fly fishing guide that deals pretty exclusively with carp.

They have no clue what they’re missing. Anyone who doesn’t enjoy a big carp eating a giant foam cicada fly off the top of the water or watching them chase a fly that resembles a bait fish, is missing out on one of the best sport fish we have.

Thanks for the read,
Derek Rivchin
Lo Water Guide Service

Photos by Kristen Kile @finsomnia