Growing up on a two acre pond, I had seen carp all of my life. And yes, like any young boy, I had caught plenty using the typical corn, bread, or worm set up. However, it was after reading articles on how difficult these fish are to catch on the fly rod that it soon became a personal challenge to catch as many carp on the fly as I possibly could.  And not in my backyard pond, but in the South Platte River around Denver.

Having observed carp ever since I was a 5 year old boy, to put it simply, I seemed to naturally know which flies would work. Although there are long articles on what flies are best, and why these flies work best, I shut those out immediately. Why you may ask? Because there are three flies that seem to consistently work for me, and please when I tell you them, believe me. I know they may be a little out there, but I PROMISE if fished properly, carp can be caught.

Fly 1: a big black stonefly. Although used primarily when deep nymphing for trout, I have caught several carp on this pattern. It has a big hook which helps for not breaking the fish off, and the pattern simply looks ugly in the water without any shiny materials, making it good for carp. Even though most of the time the carp will eat it, I have had many cases where I reel in the fish with the fly hooked in the chin or neck of the carp, in that they will circle the fly many times before eating it. Regardless, a carp on the fly is a carp on the fly.

Fly 2: A small (and I mean small) parachute adams. Being a dry fly, this fly is best used for “slurping” fish, and are best for still water situations. I find that grass carp will even hit this fly.

Fly 3: A bonefish fly called the “Root Beer Charlie”. Yes, I know, a bonefish fly. It looks like a tiny crawdad, or a little water bug, or something. BUT – the carp love it. Try it out.

Below are some pictures from my carp adventures, primarily taking place in July before the water gets quite cold.