Nebraskaland

APRIL 2017 • NEBRASKAland 59 murky. Some of the best carp fishing I have ever experienced was in water with six inches of visibility on the very best days. A major difference between carp and other warm water species is that a day fly fishing for carp may go without a single cast. Fly fishing for carp is a sight fishing game, and it's the visual aspect of catching them that makes it so challenging and exciting. Blind fishing for carp is a poor strategy for two reasons. First, the splashing and other water disturbances made by frequent casting spooks fish. Second, the way a carp takes a fly is so subtle that unless you can see the fish eat your fly you will never know it was there. Polarized sunglasses are a key piece of equipment to cut the glare from the sun and allow you to see into the water. Not only do they help you see more clearly, but they also protect your eyes from the occasional wild cast. Carp will begin moving shallow in spring as the water begins to warm, making May and June prime time for carp fishing. Look for shallow bays with dark mud bottoms as these areas will warm more quickly. As the water warms, carp feed aggressively to make up for the rigors of winter and to prepare for the upcoming spawn. The spawn receives mixed reviews from the few people I know that fly fish for carp. Many anglers get frustrated because spawning carp have other things on their mind besides eating. However, much like a white-tailed buck during the rut, larger fish let their guard down and cruise the shallows with abandon. When else can you see the biggest fish in a lake torpedoing themselves through inches of water and leaping several feet into the air? Some of my best days fly fishing for carp have been during the spawn because it concentrates a high number of fish in a small area. Once, I waded into ankle deep water in heavy vegetation and simply waited for carp to cruise by. The entire morning I never made a full cast, instead dapping the fly a foot in front of fish as they passed. Many of them spooked if I moved too quickly, and many more simply shunned the fly. However, I realistically had over 100 shots at carp that day and managed to hook and land just shy of 30. There is nothing like being in the right place at the right time. Sparks rubs mud into his fly to help eliminate human scent. RESERVOIR DOG This is Sparks' most productive fly over the past five years. He alters the weight depending on water depth. CLOUSER CRAYFISH The fly is designed for fishing in current behind a split shot. SPARKS' SAN JUAN WORM This fly is an excellent option for spooky carp in shallow water. FLY PHOTOS BY JEFF KURRUS CARP MERKIN Based off a saltwater crab pattern, it's deadly on carp in deep stained water. DELEKTABLE STONER Dan Delekta designed this fly for trout in Montana, but it's just as effective for carp.

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