Monday, June 5, 2017

Creek Stalking


Every Spring I make a point to fish some local Delmarva creeks for a myriad of species. This usually occurs as the leaves are reaching their peak and the shad run is basically over. I mostly target carp, but I also have the chance to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, hickory shad, perch, catfish, and some leftover trout. Sometimes, I try to catch all of the aforementioned species in a short after work session. More often than not, I just focus on the carp. This year, I only fished two sessions and was able to tangle with a few quality specimens...



In the high sun, the carp often retreat to structure. In this case, there was a pod of about twenty under a bridge. This isn't an ideal situation but I was able to catch two with a bow an arrow cast.


A more ideal situation is when you have a carp break off from the school mentality and cruise the shallows looking for a meal. Often, these fish are on the prowl or they line up in the current to mud through debris. These fish are often easy pickings...



The channel catfish are starting to get in a spawning mode which makes sight fishing for them much easier. They are often hanging out with the carp and are easily distinguished by their darker colors. I use larger flies to get their attention and fish for them the same way I would for a common. 




A good one...



Two bridge fish...


Any fly will work, provided it is fished right...


A good one off a sandbar.



There is often a small window for these creek carp. I am not alone in understanding their habits. However, I am not competing with other local fishermen, I am competing with the bow hunters. Once they descend upon the creeks, the carp become so spooky that it isn't worth my time trying to catch them. Sometimes, they disappear altogether and retreat back to the deep lies where they cannot be seen. In years past, I was able to target these fish for over a month. This year, the window of opportunity lasted a week. It is amazing how easily the threat of an arrow to the back will change the behavior of fish in a waterway.



Five species, one hour, one fly. 
The Carp Crab.


A decent fish. 

I was lucky enough to tangle with two larger specimens that approached the 25 lb. mark. Compared to the small 8-12 pounders above, those fish are an entirely different beast to tame. In years past, I was able to land a few. This year, they got the better of me by taking advantage of some well placed structure within the flowing water. Needless to say, I am looking forward to next Spring to see how much they've grown and hopefully land a few more solid fish. 

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