6 Tips For Small Lake Carp Fishing | Carl Milton

Carp can be caught from all over the place these days, from rivers and canals to large inland seas and reservoirs. Each have their own challenges for the angler to confront, but believe it or not, smaller, more intimate lakes offer some of the most difficult to overcome. In this short article, OMC's Carl Milton takes a closer look at small lake carp fishing...

Many anglers believe that small lakes can be more challenging than larger ones. With fewer places for fish to hide, they often experience more pressure and become warier of rigs.

Here’s how I approach small lake carp fishing...

1. Scale Down for Stealth

Where it’s safe to do so (i.e. no snags or heavy weed), I scale down my rigs to be as discreet as possible. I prefer the Blend Fluorocarbon Soft as a hooklink, which is practically invisible underwater. Using smaller hooks, such as size 6 or even 8 for bottom bait rigs, can make a big difference in fooling cautious fish.

In terms of the types of rigs themselves, my favourites are the Lock Hook Spinner for pop-ups and wafters, and the Flipper for bottom baits. Both give fantastic hookholds and are not too "in your face" or alarming to the fish.

Keep the hookbaits small but attractive too. A single 12mm pop-up, or a bottom bait with half a pop-up as a 'topper' is more than enough to get some interest. 

2. Pre-Baiting for Success

If pre-baiting is allowed, it can be a game-changer on any water. Getting carp used to a bait that only you are using gives you a huge advantage. On small lakes, this is even easier and more cost-effective to establish. Because the fish have fewer places to roam, they’re far more likely to encounter your bait. Trickling in small quantities on a weekly basis can produce fantastic results.

3. Stay Stealthy

Keeping a low profile is key. Avoid stomping around your swim or banging in bivvy pegs. Set up well back from the water’s edge and move quietly. Wearing high-quality camo clothing can also help keep you hidden from wary carp.

On this same theme, consider your line tension - can you slacken it off so it sinks better? If not, consider adding Tungsten Tubing, Corefree or Leadcore Leaders to get the line around your hookbait pinned down and out of the way of the fish. 

The 'Washing Line Method' is also a tactic well worth exploring if possible. 

4. Keep Your Eyes on the Water

Location is everything, no matter the lake size. Always watch the water for signs of activity. Peekaboo Sunglasses and OMC Caps are great tools for spotting fish movement and gaining an edge.

On small lakes in particular, any signs of bubbling, water displacement, reeds knocking or birds spooking could mean there are big carp in the area. 

5. Precision Casting

On small lakes, accuracy is crucial. Often, there are “spots within spots,” where just a few feet can mean the difference between a bite and blanking. If your cast isn’t perfect, don’t hesitate to redo it.

There are plenty of tools to help with this and reduce disturbance. Don't be afraid to make use of Bait Boats and Baiting Poles where they are permitted. Even try casting to the far bank and gently lowering your rig in the edge by hand. Be crafty and be accurate. 

6. Spring Tactics – The Yellow Pop-Up Trick

One of my go-to tactics—especially in spring—is casting a yellow pop-up at showing fish. While this method works on all waters, I’ve had my greatest success with it on smaller lakes.

A single cast, right where they tell you they are, with a rig that always presents (Spinner) and a bait they can't miss. Minimal disturbance, maximum chance of a bite! Less can often be more with bait on smaller venues. 

By following these strategies, you’ll improve your chances of catching more carp on small lakes. Just remember to stay quiet and hide yourself from the carp as much as possible. Make a mistake and let them know you're there,  and it is game over. Best of luck and tight lines!

One More Cast Sponsored Angler and article author Carl Milton is an experienced southern carp angler who has landed fish to over 50lb in the UK. He's currently fishing the historic Wraysbury complex, as well as visiting numerous day-ticket venues in the Kent area.