Fishing Forum

I live in Idaho and I was just wondering if anyone had any helpful tips about finding carp early season (like before June). We have been looking for them on the river without much luck this time of year.

They'll be spawning by mid May in the lakes. Look for warm water springs or power plant outlets. Pretty sluggish until the water warms up
[signature]

It all depends on water temperature Have shot them in daylight the first of may but fishing at night you can find them about anytime in shallow water. It seems like its always June before they come to the top in good sized schools.
[signature]

Carp spawn when the water is around 64 degrees. That's the best time. But from now until then you can find them near where they spawn grouping up for the rut.
[signature]

I'm a newbie too, just got my first setup and waiting for some warmer temps.
One question, what do you do once you shoot one? My arrows have a huge barb on them, do you just rip it out? Cut it out? buy a new arrow?
[signature]

You can loosin the tip and the barbs will colapse or rotate so you can remove the arrow
[signature]

The carp have been very active around the hot springs on the narrows at onieda. Last I went this month they were all over and jumping out of the water already. No one seems to believe me on it but all I Have to say is go and find out they are out and about on the narrows and in full force already.
[signature]

I usually bowfish on AF reservoir. It varies year to year, but a good rule of thumb is when we get a consistent week of 70 degree weather, they will be shallow. I generally head out to Sportsmans Park at Aberdeen and wade the shallow bays, many times you can catch them right up under the brush with their backs out of the water. You have to be very stealthy because they spook easily. Good luck.
[signature]

Well if your real desperate you can always make the drive down to Utah lake. Down the west side of the lake there is free camping and I have been seeing tons and tons of carp on the surface just begging to be shot for almost a month now.
[signature]

ChrisTheFish and I got into carp as early as mid march this year - in shallow water. The trick is to find springs that they'll congregate around - whether that be in a river system or warm springs on a lake. Like everyone else said - they tend to be sluggish this time of year, but they're already in the shallows in several places we go. Also, it seems that you need 2 days of consistent sunny weather in the upper 50's low 60's to get them up into those flats. Your best bet for this time of year may be the Snake River or in the Narrows like JeremyPeace was talking about - those are good bets!
[signature]

If you don't want to drive as far as Utah Lake, Cutler reservoir and the Bear river are loaded with them (Cache Valley). As said - warm days. I see them jumping all over. Drives me nuts - especially if I'm stuck playing with mudcats while hoping for channels!

They will become more active, and though the visibility in the marsh is crap (I attribute that in large part TO the danged carps!) if you can get into shallows - they're queuing up. Seen some grunts along the lower Logan river too. Had a good vantage from a bridge yesterday - if only I'd had the bow instead of spinning gear in hand! I was chasing a different kind of brown fish!

We've got lots of flooded fields now too with the runoff. I've heard on warm days they'll come up into those flood-plains and wallow around getting frisky. But when they want to be - they are fast and strong. Pretty sure I've thunked a few with the prop too. At least they don't flip through the air like them Asian carp!

There was a method someone had for tying on their arrow that allowed them to remove the string and slide the arrow on through w/o backing out. Was on youtube.
Or just bring a hatchet!

Ok - found it. I guess with this "loop" system - you can pass the arrow through the fish, then easily disconnect, reconnect, or change out arrows. The guy makes a nice looking bow too!

Not sure if this "embed video" thing is working, so [url "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1llcIVi3fZs"]HERE[/url]

Sure like his bow [cool]
[signature]

I went out and sighted a few weapons in today and then drove around AF res looking for carp. None to be found yet. The res is full tho, only about 18" to go before full pool. I need to find some carp or suckers to shoot.
[signature]

Can't wait for warmer weather and sticking some carp.
AF is a fun place to get after them. Wonder how bad the misquitoes are going to be this year?
[signature]

Don't know where you are at but cj strike around love bridge usually has them mid may.
[signature]