Top 10 Tips for Winter Carp Fishing

  • Posted: 31st January 2025
  • Author: Alan Draycott

Winter carp fishing presents unique challenges, but with the right tactics, you can maximise your success even in the coldest conditions. From choosing the right venue to selecting the best carp bait, here are my top 10 tips for winter carp fishing to help you land more carp this season.

1. Choose High-Stock Venues

Selecting the right venue is crucial in winter. Avoid low-stock lakes where bites are rare, and instead, target well-stocked fisheries such as Linear Fisheries or Embryo’s Norton Disney. These waters have a high density of carp, increasing your chances of success during the colder months.

Alan with a mirror carp

Venue selection is very important in winter, especially if you want a few bites

2. Opt for Shallow Lakes

Contrary to popular belief, shallow lakes often outperform deep ones in winter. While deeper waters retain warmth longer in early winter, shallow lakes (up to 10ft deep) react quicker to temperature changes and are less affected by high atmospheric pressure. Prioritise shallower venues for consistent winter action.

Alan with a common carp from a shallow lake

I caught this common carp from a lake no more than 3ft deep

3. Stay Warm and Dry

Winter conditions can be harsh, so keeping warm is essential for an enjoyable session.

  • Use a five-season sleeping bag or sleep system.
  • Layer up with thermal base layers, joggers, hoodies, fleece and waterproof salopettes.
  • Keep spare dry clothing in case you get wet.
  • Wear polar boots and double socks to prevent cold feet.
  • Drink hot beverages and eat warm meals to maintain body heat.
  • Use a hot water bottle at night.

If you start feeling cold, walk around the lake or do light exercises in your swim to keep blood circulating.

A lady wearing warm clothing

Make sure you’re kitted out for the conditions

A picture of mugs, a flask and a stove

Drink warm beverages to keep warm

4. Use the Right Baiting Approach

In winter, less is more when it comes to baiting. My go-to set-up includes:

  • Solid PVA bags filled with BetaStim Mini Mix pellets and a bright Bug Half Tones  or PB wafter.
  • Single bright pop-ups cast at showing fish.
  • If bites come regularly, introduce a couple of Spombs of 8-12mm The Bug boilies, soaked in matching liquid and BetaStim.
  • Avoid high-fat baits as carp struggle to digest them in cold water.
  • Natural baits like worms and maggots work exceptionally well, but check venue rules before using them.

5. Don’t Overlook Zig Rigs

Many anglers associate zig rigs with warm-weather fishing, but they can be deadly in winter too.

  • A zig rig placed two feet off the bottom, topped with maggots, can produce surprising results.
  • Use adjustable zigs to fine-tune the depth without excessive recasting.
  • Experiment with different colours to see what the carp respond to.
A Peppered Squid Candy Stick on zig rig

Peppered Squid Candy Sticks make for a fantastic zig hookbait

6. Location is Everything

Carp movement slows down in winter, making location more critical than ever.

  • In pressured waters, carp often hold up in the middle of the lake.
  • Snags and margins can also be hotspots.
  • Carp show less frequently in winter, so be patient and watch the water carefully before setting up.
Alan with a winter common carp

Get your location right and winter carp fishing can be more prolific than you imagine

7. Pre-Bait for Consistency

Pre-baiting a swim can give you a massive edge, but use a little-and-often approach to keep the fish visiting your spot without overfeeding them.

  • Pre-bait multiple spots to avoid putting all your efforts into one area.
  • Be discreet to prevent others from fishing your baited area.
A lady with a common carp

Pre-baiting can be a huge edge, even in winter

8. Use the Right Liquids

Liquids can increase bait attraction, especially in winter when you’re using minimal bait.

  • BetaStim Liquid is highly soluble, making it perfect for winter fishing.
  • The Bug Amino Smoke creates an attractive cloud of food signals upon hitting the water.
  • Avoid thick, congealing fish oils, and instead opt for Hemp Oil as it remains liquid in cold water.

9. Know Your Bite Times

Winter bite windows are much shorter, so being prepared is key.

  • Find out when the lake’s peak feeding times are and be fully set up well in advance.
  • Pre-baiting, rig preparation and rod positioning should be completed before the bite window.
  • Keep spare rigs ready to minimise downtime after a fish is landed.
  • If fishing multiple rods on the same spot, wait before recasting to avoid spooking feeding fish.

10. Enjoy the Experience

Winter fishing can be an amazing experience or a complete struggle, depending on your preparation and mindset.

  • Dress appropriately and stay warm.
  • Use effective tactics suited for cold water.
  • Take in the scenery and appreciate the quiet banks before the crowds return in spring.

With these winter carp fishing tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of the colder months and land some impressive fish. Don’t let the cold stop you – get out there and catch your winter PB!

A winter scenic shot overlooking a lake

Winter is a beautiful time to be out on the bank

For more winter carp fishing tips, see:

Five Essential Tips for Winter Carp Fishing by Steve Littlechild

The Best Carp Baits to Use in Winter by Dave Watson

Winter Carp Fishing Guide: Top Tips to Catch Carp in the Cold by Steve Wright