Chris Belcher - Winter Tips

I simply love carp fishing through the Winter months. The banks are quieter, meaning there’s less angling pressure, the carp are in great condition and at big natural weights. The long, dark, and often cold nights can be challenging at times, but if you get it right, the fishing can be just as prolific as the warmer months. Catching them in the Winter feels that bit more rewarding too!

Before you even consider starting a winter campaign, you need to make sure you have the appropriate clothing. My Drykore Waterproofs, Puffer Jacket and Salopettes are always in the car, no matter how mild it is out there. If you are cold and wet, you simply will not be angling at your full potential. Layering up correctly, ensures you keep yourself warm and dry throughout your session.

Location is always the most important aspect in my angling, especially during the Winter months. The carp’s activity slows with the colder water temperatures, meaning they’re moving around the lake less and often held up in large groups. Reed beds, snags, dying weed beds and lilies are the first areas I will be looking, areas they’ll feel safe. A good pair of Polaroid glasses are essential for searching these areas out. You’ll be amazed at the difference they make, and if I can safely get a higher vantage point for a better look, I will.

Another thing I look for are bubblers. Although the carp are generally not feeding heavily, they can still give themselves away with just a few subtle bubbles. Binoculars are a huge edge in this situation, especially on those deathly calm days. I have caught so many bonus carp over the years casting single hook baits at the subtlest of bubblers that have given the location away.

The weather plays a huge part in my Winter angling too. I’m always studying the future forecasts, looking for milder spells and drops in air pressure. The carp will respond to the smallest increase in water temperature, and if possible, I will aim to get out fishing around these periods. To reverse this, cold spells will have a negative effect, and I generally avoid these periods.

I’ve never been one to over complicate my rigs, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it! My Winter approach generally doesn’t change. I favour a Spinner Rig with a size 4 Krank Hook, and my go to hook bait is a 15mm Mainline Salty Squid pop-up. I’m a big fan of running lead setups and I use the smallest lead I can get away with, often a 1.1oz Pear Lead fished on a Dark Matter Leader. The light leads and pop-up presentation enable me to get out as quietly as possible and be fishing effectively.

Bait wise, I’ve been having good success using a mix of Mainline’s Cell and Essential Cell boilie crumb, soaked in Cell Smart Liquid and Essential Cell Syrup. I  also add a few whole baits in 10,15 and 18mm along with some matching Cell pellets. I add a small amount of lake water, this makes the mix heavy which helps it reach the bottom quickly and accurately.

Lastly, choose a venue that has good winter form. From my experience, lakes with a shallow average depth with not much weed present are a good starting point. Shallower lakes react to weather changes quickly, and the fish are never too far away from the bottom. Hopefully you can take something from this to apply to your own fishing. Get it right, and you’ll be amazed just how enjoyable Winter fishing can be!