Carp report...Lake Mi

[john montana]

Basically every year since college, my buddy Justin and I have been lucky enough to spend a few days each spring fishing together. Pretty astounding that we have kept this trip together over the years, given lives, wives, and kids. Really, it is because our wives are fantastic. Considering that we live well over 2000 miles apart, we never take this for granted. Since the carp bug has really taken a hold of us, we have pretty much turned this into a carp trip, and for the fourth year in a row we pounded on Lake MI for 3.5 days. This year we absolutely nailed it.
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The fish were thick, and we walked into masses of them. My home waters require tiny flies, and a tea cup size target, but the great thing about lake MI is the fish will chase big flies and streamers, often moving from quite a distance to smash stripped and hopped flies. Quite a sight for visual junkies like us.

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We have had good trips in the past, but this was just insane. We landed a rough total of 135 carp (and a bunch of bass). The real amazing thing was the quality of the fish. We netted and weighed 20 carp that were over 20 lbs. The biggest fish weighed in at 31 lbs (an amazing fish that Justin took on a two inch long black bunny leech on day 3). We would net, weigh and release 18 lb fish with barely a mention or a nod...it was just crazy.

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It is going to take some reflection time to really process this insanity. J and I love our time together and while we have had some great trips over the years, this one was truly amazing.

Huge thanks to our wives and kids for letting us do what we do...we fully realize how special and ridiculous walking a huge lake with a fly rod in hand really is.

 

[Spydeyrch]

Dude!! That looks like an amazing and outstanding trip!! Well done! :clap:

I always enjoy your reports and pics. Keep them coming man!

-Spydey

 

[igquick]

Wow that is insane!

 

[MikePierce170]

Wow! Big fish. I always love reading about your Lake Michigan trips. One of these days I gotta get my butt up there and do some spearing. That water is too perfect not to. I'm jealous. Congrats. John.

 

[igquick]

Wow! Big fish. I always love reading about your Lake Michigan trips. One of these days I gotta get my butt up there and do some spearing. That water is too perfect not to. I'm jealous. Congrats. John.

I know lol, just look how clear that water is?! Im wading in poop water wondering if Im looking at a large rock or a carp

 

[john montana]

The Columbia is pretty clear...you should wade the river. Granted, it isn't as clear as lake mi but not much is!

 

[igquick]

Enlighten me at a carp spot lol, the columbia isn't exactly a 1 acre lake...i walked 3 miles along the river the other day searching for big fish

 

[hobster]

Great pics as usual, and awesome report. Looks like a lot of fun!

 

[Raincatcher]

Holy crap on a cupcake!! :shock: Those are some beautiful fish, and so huge!! :shock::shock: You are truly blessed to have such wonderful wives and children to understand your wonderful sport hobby. I sincerely hope you and your friend grow old and feeble sharing many more days like those on Lake Michigan. What a great way to spend time with a like minded friend. :clap::clap:
I am green with envy,,,can you tell? :shy:

 

[john montana]

Thanks...this is a great trip with my buddy...the fact that the fishing was great is just icing!

 

[eugene1]

Looks like a great trip John!

My mind is thinking it's only carp, but when I think about it more I realize that's a crap ton of huge fish that two buddies got to play with. So, it doesn't get any better.

Best,

 

[Modest_Man]

Thanks...this is a great trip with my buddy...the fact that the fishing was great is just icing!

The carp in photo #5 is giving you some icing.

 

[john montana]

We time it for the spawn on purpose...just easier to find the fish (they can be tough to find). Just have to fish the edges for feeding fish.

 

[Modest_Man]

Guy I work with got his Masters working with carp in Michigan. Pretty interesting stuff dealing with the predation on carp eggs and larvae by native fish to keep the population in check. Though I don't envy him injecting carp with hormones and artificially spawning them. Apparently bluegill are carp egg connoisseurs!

 

[john montana]

I bet. They broadcast spawn so I imagine the eggs get eaten by just about everything.

 

[Smj]

Well done John! What an unbelievable session! The 30 must have been the icing on the cake!