One of the best times to catch a good number of fish during the summer season is early to mid-summer. This is because the fish are usually attracted to warmer weather. Spring, tends to be slower as they start waking after winter.
Since I keep a journal that contains a lot of information about my fishing, I decided to break down the time of day that I’ve observed the best times to catch fish.
I try to keep a record of everything that I’m doing so that I can improve my efficiency. It might be a combination of OCD and the desire to catch more fish but seems to help.
For instance, I’ve had the best luck when it comes to catching large and medium-sized fish at two different times of the day. For instance, I was able to catch multiple 30lb+ carp during the early morning hours, and again during sunset.
For most of my fishing activities, I’ve found that catching fish in the afternoon is the best time of the day. During this period, I’ve seen a lot of activity going on when the fish start to move to where they feel more secure.
Although it is possible to catch a good quantity of carp year-round, it is important to remember that the best time to fish for them is at certain times of the day. While it is true that they will often be feeding all day, each lake has its own patterns and best time to catch them.
They will usually be feeding all day, but carp tend to be caught more often at night and in the late afternoon during the summer and early mornings in the spring and summer. They also feed heavily around midday during the winter due to the sun heating the shallow areas of the lake. They will always gravitate to warmer parts of the lake.
In this article, we will talk about the best times of day to catch carp and how to catch them based on their seasonal behavior and the season.
Although it is important to know the time of day when it is best to catch carp, it is also important to keep in mind that the fish can be difficult to locate at times especially during the winter when they move less. This is why it is important to make sure that you are fishing where the fish are located. You will need to be more mobile during the winter months, and spend more time locating the fish than actually sitting in your favourite swim.
What is the Best Season to Catch Carp?
Is Spring Good for Catching Carp?
As the spring season progresses, the fish will start to feed more than during the winter month and will be able to be caught reliably at any time of day. But you will find that you’ll catch less than in the summer months.
Carp are typically the first to move into the shallows following the ice melt or early spring. Smaller fish, on the other hand, will typically leave their winter hideouts and start moving toward these bays.
The best time to catch carp is during the spring and summer when the fish are moving into shallow water areas. This allows bank fishermen to easily see the fish moving around the margins.
During the spring, the water is starting to warm up, which will encourage them to feed. It is also best to catch them early in the morning and late afternoon as the water starts to warm up.
Is Summer Good for Catching Carp?
Although it is best to catch them at night, it is also possible to catch them all day as the warm water allows the fish to feed. During the summer, the abundance of food sources and the fish’s love for a large amount of food when it is warm makes it a great time to catch them.
Late evening and early morning bites are also possible when the fish are near the surface. During the midday hours, they will often be near the rolling surface. An ideal time to get your surface rig ready.
The fish like to hang out in the hot water and are known to prefer surface bait such as bread, insects, and floating baits. Although I mainly fish on the bottom, I still enjoy catching fish even when they are on the surface. One of the main factors that I consider when it comes to catching carp is having a pack bait that can lure them down to the bottom.
Is Autumn Good for Catching Carp?
From early to mid-Autumn, the best time to catch carp is during the morning and late afternoon as the water starts to warm up. However, during the winter season, the fish are more likely to be caught in the midday.
This is when an abundance of food can be found. In late fall, the fish will start to take on a more winter-like mindset and start moving toward deeper water. This is where they will head when the water starts to cool down.
During this period, the fish will start to feed in the midday heat. They will then start rising to mid-water as the temperature gets higher. They will then retreat back to the deeper water to prepare for the cold night air.
Is Winter Good for Catching Carp?
The best time to catch carp during the winter season is midday when the water temperature is warm. Although the activity of the fish does not stop during the winter, it slows down a lot.
The winter fishing season is also about location selection as the fish will not move much when the temperature is cold.
Look for areas where the water is warm and the deep holes at the mouth of reservoirs and rivers can be found. Also, shallow bays are ideal because the water will warm up during the winter in these locations.
Although I have seen people catching winter fish early in the morning and late afternoon, I have found the best results when the water temperature is warm during the hottest hours of the day.
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a better fisherman, check out my complete guide to fishing for carp. I believe that this list will help you improve your skills and become a better fisherman.
Best Time to go Carp Fishing
Are Carp More Active at Night?
Morning and afternoon fishing can be very successful when it comes to catching winter fish. Night fishing is also best during the summer, late spring, and early fall. During the winter season, you won’t catch much fish when it gets cold.
How Can Time of Day Affect Carp Feeding on the Bottom?
Sometimes, the activity of the fish is easier to notice as they are feeding on the bottom instead of at the surface. You will see cloudy water and feeding bubbles, giving away their location. After sunset, the fish will start moving toward the surface and will start eating insects.
Sometimes, you can also see the fish hanging out in the sun during the early afternoon. They feed on the bottom in the morning when the temperature is cool.
A couple of hours before sunset, I was able to catch a carp on the bottom near an aerator. The fish can be unpredictable when it comes to moving in and out of the water column.
One of the best ways to determine the movement of the fish is by simply observing an keep watching for signs of fish on the lake. Fish can easily be spotted rolling or breaching the surface. However, the mud kicked up by the fish on the bottom can be more difficult to locate.
Another great way to catch a big fish is by following a trail of bubbles. This will allow you to see the direction the fish is moving. Although it’s usually easier to catch a fish on the surface, bottom fishing can still be very productive.
This is especially true if you’re fishing in shallow bays. Often you’ll be able to see their tails coming out of the water as they get their heads down to feed.
Best Time to go Carp Fishing in the UK
Carp Fishing in the Morning
During the warm summer months, the activity of the fish can be seen in the morning. They will often swim in the shallows and jump around the lake or pond. The first couple of hours of the morning can provide you with some excellent fishing.
Carp Fishing in the Afternoon
The afternoon provides plenty of opportunities for catching large fish, especially the bigger ones. Even during the warm summer months, there is plenty of fish in the water that will feed during this period. During the spring and autumn, the bite can be better as the water temperature warms up. This is because the fish will start to feed aggressively as the water temperature starts to rise.
Carp Fishing in the Evening
The evening provides good fishing for large fish, especially the bigger ones. During this period, the sun starts to go down, and the fish will start moving into the warmer areas of the lake. Although you may not be able to catch as many fish in deeper water, you can still catch some nice ones if you’re fishing near the surface. One of the best ways to catch these fish is by getting your bait near them.
Why Do Anglers Go Fishing At Night?
Although it’s usually easier to catch a big fish during the afternoon or evening when the water temperature is cool, night fishing can be very rewarding if you’re trying to catch a large fish. One of the best ways to catch these fish is to locate them and get your bait near them. Since they rely on the smell to find food, they will often feed in areas that are similar to those they are usually found in during the morning and evening.
Night fishing is more challenging than day fishing due to the lack of visibility. One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to night fishing is scouting the area where you want to fish. Having the necessary equipment such as a lantern, flashlight, and several fishing rods can help you keep yourself prepared in case something goes wrong.
One of the most frustrating aspects of night fishing is having to re-tie your lines after getting a snag. Having the necessary equipment can help you keep yourself prepared in case something goes wrong. If you’re planning on catching a big fish, it is often better to go with a friend so they can help during the night.
When Do Carp Feed the Most?
One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to night fishing is scouting the area where you want to fish. Knowing when the fish are in the lake will provide you with a great opportunity to catch them.
Early in the spring, before spawning begins, the large fish will be very hungry and will look to bulk up to avoid not having enough food to nourish themselves. Similar to how they did before winter, the fish will also feed heavily before spawning.
Most of the large fish that spawn end up looking weaker and less vigorous once the spawning season ends. This is because they don’t feed during this period, which means that they have to use up all of their fat reservoirs to survive. After spawning, the fish will continue to feed voraciously for a couple of weeks to satisfy their needs.
Do Fish Feed During Spawning?
The early summer is usually taken up by the close season that the government has established to allow the carp to reproduce.
The spawning season can affect the activity of the fish. When the residents of a certain area start moving into the lake, they will start to migrate to the surface. They will then start to swim in and out of the water in plain sight. Unfortunately, if an overly excited fisherman tries to lure a fish with a lure, the fish will start to swim by it without looking back.
Since the fish are not hungry during the spawning season, they won’t be able to consume much. Therefore, you shouldn’t confuse their movements with an increased appetite.
You will find that most lakes will close whilst carp are spawning.
Final Thoughts
For spring and autumn fishing, try fishing in the morning and evening. Winter fishing can be very successful when the water temperature is at its highest.
Although it’s best to avoid fishing during the winter, it’s still possible to catch a good number of fish during the summer season. The best time to catch them is either early afternoon or nighttime.
The best time to fish for large fish is during the afternoon or evening when the water temperature is cool. However, during the early spring and late fall, fishing can be much harder.
Air Pressure Also Changes the Way Carp Feed
Further Reading: Read about how air pressure affects feeding carp
I have made a lot of mistakes during my fishing sessions and don’t want you to make the same mistakes. I’ve learned the hard way over 20 years of fishing most weekends, testing, tweaking, and testing again and now want to help you excel with your carp fishing.
If you need any help, you can reach me at Fishing Again’s Facebook page
