Carp Flies

[Ctrl_Alt_Dlt]

Newbie to Fly Fishing. I got my cheap Walmart fly rod, which I hate but resorted to for now as a beginning combo. Cannot even cast further than 20 yards. I have been fishing for a long time though, but mostly spinning and bait casting. Newbie at the fly, but eager to learn more about fly fishing.

This summer, I plan to fly fish for bluegills and carps. Checking this message board and this site for carp flies: http://www.flycarpin.com/p/fly-swap-2013.html, I am just so confused as to what works for carp. Such a wide array of flies and colors. Seems like so many flies will work. So many different names and types. It is a bit too much for me to grasp for now as to what will work for carp when fly fishing.

I do know how to tie a bucktail streamer as I tie those every winter for white bass and walleyes, but use it for a spinning setup. In your opinion, what are some simple but yet effective flies that I can start tying and using for carp this summer? Plan to try rivers and lakes for carps.

Thanks

[ted4887]

Give me a little while, and I'll post up pictures of the flies recently submitted for our most recent fly swap.

Two points I want to make about carp here as it relates to your post. Casts longer than 20 yards are rarely going to be necessary. Most people will agree that casts of 10-15 yards are probably going to be the case more often than not. The key here is being stealthy. Also, try to limit your blind casting as much as possible. Feed to carp that you can see feeding (tailing) if you can find them.

The reason you see so many different patterns that work for carp is because carp feed on what the available forage is. Depending on your location, this could mean that nymphs, baitfish, crayfish, berries, or bread might be your the best fly for your water. Knowing what they're commonly feeding on is going to be a major key to your success.

One fly that many people fish, and for good reason is called the backstabber. This is a small (usually between size 6-10) fly, tied with simple materials. Hook, bead chain eyes or lead eyes, dubbing, marabou, and some wet fly hackle.

Another extremely simple fly is the San Juan Worm. Never underestimate the power of simple.

[Slabasaurus]

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This summer, I plan to fly fish for bluegills and carps. Checking this message board and this site for carp flies: http://www.flycarpin.com/p/fly-swap-2013.html, I am just so confused as to what works for carp. Such a wide array of flies and colors. Seems like so many flies will work. So many different names and types. It is a bit too much for me to grasp for now as to what will work for carp when fly fishing.

I do know how to tie a bucktail streamer as I tie those every winter for white bass and walleyes, but use it for a spinning setup. In your opinion, what are some simple but yet effective flies that I can start tying and using for carp this summer? Plan to try rivers and lakes for carps.

Thanks

My general guideline for carp flies is "Go buggy!"

Before I had landed a carp on the fly I ran into Onafly at a spot that I had frequented... and he handed me a couple of his Garbage Piles.

A day later i landed my first carp on the fly, a 30" beaset. It was awesome.

I added a collar to that pattern, and used some of my parents dogs underfur for dubbing and called it a little miss cant be wrong.

Pics of these two:

Garbage Pile (from the whatcha tyin thread)

Lil miss can't be wrong:

See the similarities there, when I say "Buggy" i mean... loosely dubbed, big chain eyes, and then... well... I added the collar so that it woudl stir the bottom up if I stripped it.

and because it was 5 degrees when I drove to work today, this will help folks feel not so cold. Hopefully (excuse the recycled image, i have posted it before on HSO).

[Ctrl_Alt_Dlt]

Ted--- backstabber is a common name for sure. Seen it everywhere. The worm, I assume would work for other fish too. Those simple patterns seem like something I can try. Found some videos. Thanks.

Slabasaurus- thanks for the pics and input. Would you by chance have any little miss can't be wrong for sale? Would like to stock up for this summer.

[OnAFly]

Lots of good flies on here. Check out the "What have you been tying lately" thread. The ones Slabs mentioned are definitely high performers in the area we fished.

[Ctrl_Alt_Dlt]

Onafly- can I purchase some garbage pile flies from you too?

I saw that thread. It's very informative.

[Ctrl_Alt_Dlt]

I am getting the impression, there is no limit to the fly. So many possibilities. It's hard to tell if the fly was tied the wrong way or If the correct material was used. I think that is my confusion.

[itchmesir]

If you really plan to understand carp... I highly suggest you check out the book Carp On A Fly... It will make you understand carp and the fly selection for them a bit better

[Cthulhu]

If you really plan to understand carp... I highly suggest you check out the book Carp On A Fly... It will make you understand carp and the fly selection for them a bit better

+1 - solid book, tons of good info in Carp On The Fly. Probably the most important thing is finding feeding fish and getting a fly in front of one without spooking it. Some good tips on that are included in the book too, they are a spooky fish but that first line burning run will make it worth it!

[OnAFly]

I don't tie commercially (seems to take the fun out), but I'd definitely donate a few to the cause. PM me and I can get a few to you.

[Ctrl_Alt_Dlt]

PM sent

[Slabasaurus]

CTL_ALT_DLT - send me a PM as well, i tried to hit ya up but you're over the limit

I am dogsitting this week, so will have plenty of dubbing and this weekend is Game Of Thrones premier and some good basketball, so I plan on spending most of sunday at the bench.