What happens to carp during the winter?
Exactly what's going on with carp in winter? We ask the experts what happens to carp when the temperature drops and winter arrives...
Let's start with the basics...
“Firstly, their body temperature will drop in-line with the water temperature,” states Ben Gratwicke. “Their metabolism drops too which can, in long periods of extreme cold, send the fish into a state of torpor where they will sit motionless.” As a result, their digestion slows right down so the need for food is decreased considerably.
What's the deal with them feeding?
It is said at least one carp will feed in a 24hr period regardless of the weather conditions – a point that is backed up by seasoned pro, Shaun Harrison. “Contrary to what many would have you believe, carp continue to feed a full 12 months of the year and there are few days when the carp don’t feed at all. With carp being cold-blooded, their whole metabolism is affected by the water temperature and the one time I feel they will stop feeding is when the temperature drops below 39 degrees.”
Why is it hard to catch them in winter?
It shouldn’t be (obviously depending on your venue choice) as pointed out by Shaun… “Fortunately the carp can become really predictable and once you have established the window of feeding which is generally less than an hour but often twice a day you can hone your fishing towards these times, being sure not to spook them just prior or during a prospective feeding period.”
Where will they head for when it's really cold?
A carp will head for the most ‘comfortable area’; this maybe a big snag/weedbed or an area where it’s slightly warmer such as a fresh water spring, it is NOT always the deepest area of the lake and often near a winter food source i.e. a silty area with naturals in or weedbed. Fish can be and have been conditioned into staying in an area by being fed with bait and many successful winter campaigns have come from using this approach.
Will they travel long distances to find comfort?
As mentioned by Ben, if a baiting program is carried out then the fish may sit nearby but they will travel and by moving and eating this will raise the metabolism of the fish so the fish moves and uses energy therefore it has to eat.
Says Ben: “The lake topography will make a huge difference to how far a fish may travel. Shallower lakes are more susceptible to weather changes, for example it’s easier and quicker to heat up a small body of water then a big deep lake.”