Nebraskaland

APRIL 2017 • NEBRASKAland 61 they allow you to present the fly at close range with accuracy and finesse. However, make sure your reel is equipped with a drag that can hold up to the stresses of carp. I introduced a friend to fly fishing for carp and when he hooked one, the plastic washers in his drag warped from the heat produced trying to slow the fish. When the carp made its second run, the drag locked up and the fish instantly broke loose. While you don't need an expensive reel, make sure you have one with plenty of backing that will hold up under pressure. Ordinary floating line and nine-foot leaders work well in ranges 3x to 0x. If you play fish with care, it's no problem landing even large carp with this setup. It's also helpful to add a couple feet of fluorocarbon tippet for extra insurance against spooking fish. Proper Technique As with all fishing, the correct presentation is essential. Lead the fish three feet with your cast. This is the sweet spot – close enough they will see the fly, but not too close to spook them. In murky water, it takes practice to pick up the subtle clues that tell you which way a carp is facing. Take your time and remember that as long as nothing spooks the fish, it will continue to feed until you figure out your presentation. I like to use a technique employed by saltwater flats fishermen and look for the pushed water created by a fish as it swims. This "nervous" water looks like a miniature version of the wake created by an outboard boat engine. You can cast directly in front of the fish or use the "drag and drop" method where you cast beyond the fish and pull your fly along the surface until it is in position and drop it in front of the carp. This method not only gives you a very accurate presentation, but also allows you to present the fly with minimal disturbance. O The occurrence of carp in almost every body of water in Nebraska makes them available to anyone with the ambition to pursue them. The fact that even a small carp is larger than most trophy-sized game fish should be reason enough for anglers to take notice. Moreover, the thrill of seeing a carp take your fly is similar to that of seeing a bass explode on a top water lure. Fly fishing for carp is a humbling endeavor for even the most advanced fly anglers. Persistence and a short memory go a long way because it takes time to hone your skills. Catching carp on the fly requires a combination of stealthy hunting, proper technique, fly selection and presentation. They are a tough fish to fool, but that challenge makes it enormously rewarding when you catch one. ■ Ryan Sparks is a freelance writer and photographer who can be found trying to catch anything that swims with a fly rod or chasing after his pointer, Tippet. His writing and photography can be found at flywatermedley.com. PHOTO BY JEFF KURRUS The upper end of Lake McConaughy in Keith County is a hotspot for carp anglers because of its water clarity.

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