More Carp Action From The Weekend

[strangercreek]

I've never seen another fisherman here, 7300 acres of shallow marshes, lots of fish. The marshes are fed by two adjacent creeks which contain plenty of carp, gar, drum, and the occasional game fish. Not sure why it isn't pursued more other than being a pretty good distance from KC or Omaha (St Joseph isn't really that far) but you get a feel of being really far from civilization out there (that is my opinion anyway)....lots of walking/stalking the banks, no boats or wading allowed but there is plenty of access to the ditches, pools, sloughs, marshes, swamps (numerous things as they are called), sometimes you can spot cruising carp from the road. It is a major bird habitat as well, which is the main attraction. I have seen many fish, snakes, turtles, frogs, birds, deer, coons, foxes, coyotes, beavers (large population), and just really cool scenery, one of my favorite places on the planet. If you look for them, the carp are everywhere. They also have an endangered rattlesnake (Massassauga which are not that aggressive and fairly small). Once the heat of summer sets in the marshes have less water and fish are more difficult to find but they are there. Make sure to wear boots or gaiters in the tall grass!

The only fishing they promote is a snagging season from March 15 to May 15 which would probably be really productive if you are into snagging. No gigs or bows allowed though.

[Ham]

That looks like a ton of fun. I'd love to get some carp on the fly. I'll have to look into how far away that is for me (likely too far away).

[Pflugradt]

Hey just so you all know, thanks to this post I am heading up there this Sunday (weather permitting) if you wanna go let me know. I have tons of flies that need to be eaten. I used to fish there fairly often just haven't been able to get up there in a couple years so this will be a good time to get back at it. Looking forward to getting er' done.

Steve

[eric1978]

Cool man! Looks like fun. What kind of flies do you use?

[Pflugradt]

Speaking for myself I have a go to fly and then several others that I use as well. My absolute go to fly regardless of where I am or what is happening is a headstand (my youtube video of said fly------

). I have a wide range of flies like the backstabber (also on youtube) but I omit the overly expensive gamakatsu hook for a cheaper eagleclaw version. I also use a modified bonefish bitters, some small craws, swamp monsters, even the occasional PTN or glow ball under an indicator if the mood strikes me. Once in a while when the cotton wood fluff comes off I have some size 12 dries that are just palmered white CDC and it works great if they are sipping fluff, but you need room for them to run and a delicate rod so you don't straighten the hook.... Pretty much anything will work really I just have a few that I like more then others. Just a side note but a black glo ball with a chart or yellow dot works wonders if they are not feeding really active and just cruising. Personally I like to find them mudding or tailing in the shallows then cast just in front of them, they will move a foot or so to take a fly. then hold on because the world will explode when you set the hook. I also have some marshmallow and bread flies when I find a few cruising close to a campground that are used to feeding on those kind of things. I guess I could say I use flies!!!

Steve

[trout fanatic]

Def looks like fun-bet they could make one figure out what a drag was really for!

[Pflugradt]

So very true, even a 5lb carp will take most of your fly line several times before you can get the to hand on an 8wt. IF you want to really learn what backing is for though, hook into a carp that exceeds 20lbs and you will instantly become a believer.... I promise. I personally have broken the 15 mark twice and I really don't know if I want to break the 20 mark or not after seeing the aftermath. It can be some of the best action on a fly during the summer heat. The gar are sure a good time as well and will tail dance for you all day.

Steve

[strangercreek]

Steve,

Let me know how your next trip goes. All this rain should keep the water in good shape for a while, I definitely want to give your headstand pattern a try when I make it up there again

[Pflugradt]

Bwinkert and I were there on Saturday and it was ok... we both hook a couple of the carp in the overflow pool but did not get any to hand, I think we both landed about 20 or so gar a piece though. all the drainage creeks and such were just darker than the color of chocolate milk and you could see about a half an inch onto the water.... made it tough. Good times had by one and all until the wind started to blow at about 30mph so we headed home!!

Steve