Carp/Pike fishing with fly rod

Hey all,

I have a buddy coming up from AZ in two weeks who wants to catch both a northern (regardless of size) and a carp, both on fly rod. I mostly inland trout fish but would like to explore the river. Might there be pike to be found in some weed beds this time of year? We’d be fishing on or just a couple of feet below the surface.

Wondering if anybody can share insight as to a good launch spot and areas to try? Would like to see some water upstream of Stillwater and below Grantsburg. 16′ shallow running boat with jet motor. Catch and release.

Thanks in advance!

Look at weed edges with slack water for pike. There are lots of hammer handles everywhere.

Cover and slack water for the Pike. Weed beds are a given but don’t overlook downed trees and brush piles. Something with a lot of flash is good. Mudrich Minnow, that sort of streamer.

For Carp, well I’m very short on practical experience here but look for feeding fish. Blind casting for Carp usually doesn’t work well. Fish just cruising around don’t seem to be very aggressive but if you find one “tailing” with his face buried in the bottom, well that’s a hungry fish. Woolly Buggers, Nymphs. Carp eat a lot of the same stuff that Trout eat.

Good luck and report back!

S.R.

Thanks for the initial feedback. I have flies for carp and lots for pike.

Where on the river have you guys spotted carp? Any places where they can regularly be found?

How is the water around Wm O’Brien to Osceola or up to MN Interstate SP? I have a park pass so thought those might be good places to launch. Would like to jet up a handful of miles and then lazily float down on the oars while my buddy fishes.

Appreciated!

I can’t say I have caught a carp above the dam but I know there are plenty of Pike. The water clarity clearing up I would suggest around Osceola and south you should have some shallow backwaters to look for both Pike and carp. What are you running for a jet?

Sounds good!

Running a 40 hp Mercury jet on a Stealthcraft power drifter

I’ve targeted carp on the fly on the Mississippi. The most productive way I’ve found is just the opposite of looking for tailing fish. I look for those round mouths sucking cottonwood seeds or whatever off the surface. Slack water which could be just an indent in the shore line.

I used dark flies that stayed in the surface film. Get it in front of them and they suckem right up.

Good Luck!

I understand that they have big shoulders if you get one on! Brian, I see that you are down in the Red Wing area. Good carpin’ in those parts? Looks like some nice backwaters around there by Bay City.

PS I was using a 8 weight.

Good carping? Well, I see a lot of bow fishermen out, more so with this higher water. Mud Lake would be my first try. I know a regular boat can get in there.

For other areas you’ll need to get out of the WI back channel proper.

“I look for those round mouths sucking cottonwood seeds or whatever off the surface.”

I’ve actually seen fly patterns that are supposed to look like cottonwood seeds, and another one that supposed to look like cottonwood seeds.

S.R.