Happy Carp Day

Posted By on April 10, 2011

Carp Day 2011

As Mr. Walton laid out in The Compleat Angler, “April 10th is a particularly deadly day for carps” – and it was.  The flats at Ray Roberts are in fantastic shape, the spawn is winding down and lots of fish were seen and caught today.

Low water levels and lack of rain have really defined the shorelines and flats.  Water is clear and aquatic plant life is starting to proliferate.  I observed several carp thrashing across the tops of hydrilla beds (I thought they were bass at first).  I’m not sure if this was feeding or post-spawn behavior but was able to hook a few if I landed a slow sinking wooly worm in an open pocket as they cruised by.  The resulting fight through a weed bed was less than fun.

Several drum were on the flats today as well.  These usually don’t show up until May.  They were healthy and eating and I caught three on a Hexydamsel.  Pound for pound, the freshwater drum fight SO much harder than a carp (at least at the beginning of the fight).  All of these fish had electrifying first runs for such cool water temps and the largest of the 3, about 4 pounds, went straight into my backing after the hookset.

I would like to say I have photos to share but I dropped my camera in the lake about halfway through the afternoon.  Expect a scathing review of the William Joseph magnetic closures (what a terrible idea – pockets that MIGHT close) when calmer heads prevail! Hopefully, a little time in a desiccator in the lab might do the trick on the camera.

Categories: Carp, Fishing Report, Uncategorized
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About the author

Joel Hays has been a professional guide since 1990, and has guided professionally in Colorado and Texas.

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North Texas Fly Fishing Adventures with Joel Hays

Imagine wading through ten inches of clear water,trying to be as quiet as possible. Fifty feet ahead is a pod of large fish "tailing" on the flat. You strip out fly line, make the cast, and pull your fly in front of the lead fish. After agonizing seconds the fish spots the fly, rushes forward for a quick grab, and feels the hook. The silence is broken as the fish accelerates across the flat, quickly exposing backing on your screaming reel. Sounds like a great day on the coast, or even an exotic bonefish flat, right? Actually it's a great description of the usual day my clients have fishing for Carp on the flats of Lake Ray Roberts where many clients are blown away by the water clarity and the actual ability to sight cast along miles of flats. Big spooky fish in shallow water. They fight and tail like Redfish and can sometimes rival Bonefish in nervousness. This is an EXCELLENT WAY to hone your flats fishing skills and test your "eyes" where it's more about stalking the fish than simply stumbling upon them. You will be a better flats angler!