Five Essential Tips for Winter Carp Fishing

  • Posted: 30th January 2025
  • Author: Steve Littlechild

Winter can be one of the most challenging times of the year to catch carp, but if you get it right, it can also be one of the most rewarding. The carp are at their heaviest and they look stunning in their winter colours.

Follow these five tips to increase your chances of putting carp on the bank during the colder months.

Steve with a nice scaly mirror

Carp look at their best in winter


1. Preparation is Key

Preparation starts well before winter arrives. Ensuring your gear is up to the task will keep you comfortable and focused on fishing, rather than battling the elements. Here’s what I’d recommend:

  • Weatherproof your gear – Clean and reproof your bivvy and waterproof clothing to keep yourself dry and warm.
  • Upgrade your footwear – Wax leather boots to prevent water ingress and make sure your thermal wellies are up to scratch.
  • Pack extra layers – You never know when an extra set of clothes will come in handy.

Small things like these often get overlooked, but they can make all the difference when facing winter conditions.

A picture of Steve's swim on a frosty morning

Make sure your kit is up to the job


2. Master the Art of Layering

Dressing for winter carp fishing isn’t just about piling on as many clothes as possible – it’s about layering correctly.

  • Choose technical fabrics – Use base layers with moisture-wicking properties to pull sweat away from your skin.
  • Avoid cotton – It holds moisture and can leave you feeling damp and cold.
  • Use thermal insulation – A quality fleece mid-layer will trap heat effectively.
  • Don’t forget your feet – Wear breathable socks to reduce sweating and pair them with insulated, waterproof boots.

A hot-water bottle or a heated seat pad can also make a huge difference in staying warm during long winter sessions.


3. Location, Location, Location

In winter, finding the fish is half the battle. Carp slow down in the cold, so picking the right venue and swim is crucial.

  • Do your research – Choose waters with proven winter form rather than those known for shutting down in cold conditions.
  • Look for warm spots – Even a degree or two of difference in water temperature can influence where carp will be.
  • Don’t ignore the shallows – On sunny winter days, shallow areas can warm up and attract fish.

Observing the water and adjusting your approach accordingly will greatly improve your chances of success.

A picture of a frosty morning

Location is especially important in winter


4. Bait Preparation and Choice

There’s a common belief that you need to switch boilies in winter, but that’s not always the case. Instead, focus on baiting strategy:

  • Use winterised oilsHemp Oil or Salmon Oil ensures bait remains effective in cold water.
  • Reduce bait size – 8mm or 12mm boilies, along with more crumb and chop, create better feeding opportunities.
  • Go easy on free offerings – Carp feed less aggressively in winter, so introduce more liquid attractants rather than excess solid bait.
  • Bright hookbaits are keyFluoro pop-ups combined with Intense Boosters can make all the difference.

Carp have slower digestion in winter, so t

A picture of a frosty bag of bait

Tailor your baiting approach to the carp’s behaviour

h to their behaviour is essential.

 


5. When All Else Fails, Go Natural

If your usual tactics aren’t producing bites, it may be time to switch to natural baits.

  • Maggots are king – Red and white maggots can be deadly in cold conditions.
  • Enhance with powders – Riddle off maize from your maggots and replace it with DNA Baits’ Switch Stick Mix or Insect Meal for added attraction.
  • Perfect for PVA bags – Load up a PVA bag with your enhanced mix and pair it with a trimmed-down 12mm PB pop-up for maximum effect.

Many venues allow naturals, but always check the fishery rules before bringing them.


Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Session

Winter fishing is as much about preparation and endurance as it is about tactics. Stay warm, stay safe and don’t forget to ventilate your bivvy when using stoves or heaters. A carbon monoxide detector is a great investment to ensure your safety.

Now go out there and make the most of your winter sessions – those cold-water catches are often the most rewarding of all!

Steve with a nice scaly mirror carp

Winter catches are the most rewarding

For more winter carp fishing tips, see:

The Best Carp Baits to Use in Winter by Dave Watson

Top 10 Tips for Winter Carp Fishing by Alan Draycott

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