The Mile High Bonefish season has begun, carp fishing is heating up! Over the next three months hunting carp in the South Platte River between Florida Avenue on the south and Interstate-270 on the north through Denver will be at its finest. Now is the time to tie up those Colorado Carp Crabs and head down to REI for some of the best carp sight fishing of the year. During the late winter and early spring, before run-off and before there are too many people and dogs walking the paths and playing in the water, the carp will be more accessable than at any other time in the year. The average fish downtown is around 7-8 pounds and don't be surprised if you tangle with a fish in the 20's or larger.
General Pointers: You must see the fish to be successful. The take is very quick and soft so you will not feel it until its too late. Watch for the fish to tail and strip set the hook. Cast 3-4 feet in front of crusing fish, make sure your fly is on the bottom and visable to you before they get to it. Short jerky strips are effective to help them to see the fly. Rembember carp hunt mostly by scent so it can be very difficult for them to find your fly if it is sitting still. Be ready to let the fish run, most fish are lost on the first burst after the hook set. It is tough to get a good strip set and let go fast enough to not break them off. If you can hold on beyond the first run landing a carp is almost guaranteed. Good Luck!
mattieb
