{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Fishing report -- Tidal Basin, 5/23, or I fought the carp and the carp won

[Aaron Hobbins]

I intended to go out to Thompson WMA and go after some stockies today. But the weather and a late wake-up led me to the Tidal Basin instead. I got there about 6:30 -- not long after high tide and after a night of rain. Consequently, the water level was really high. The sidewalk that runs along the water by the Jefferson Memorial and the grass behind it (where the cherry trees are planted) were flooded with almost a foot of water. And it didn't take long to realize that there were a TON of carp patrolling the grassy bottom that has been created. I have never seen so many fish in one place at the same time, except maybe at an aquarium.

I had tied on a chartreuse and white clouser as I was walking from the parking lot but after a few passes in front of 3 or 4 carps' mouths, it was obvious that this was not the fly to use. I have never fished for carp before but I know from this board that people sight fish them with nymphs. So I tried a gold-beaded hare's ear and a prince nymph before I figured out the winning number -- a pink Czech mate with a gold bead in the middle. I got several strikes on this that I failed to set properly. Then the water started to subside, and the carp started to stick to the wall for their wrestling matches. So I lobbed the Czech mate right over the side of the wall and before long I thought I caught a rock. Then the rock started to make a run and I realized I had a monster on.

Again, I've never targeted one of these before so I didn't know what to expect. This one just sort of sat there tugging the whole time, like I had a spare tire on the end. It made a few runs, but mostly it was just going to play tug of war with me. I had 10 lb. test tippet on so I could put up a pretty good fight. But after 5 minutes of fighting, the carp found a way to wiggle out of my barbless hook. What a disappointment. If I had landed it, it would have been about 10 times larger than any other fish in my admittedly small repertoire.

My partner the whole morning was a cormorant, who stood within 30 feet of my most of the morning. He managed a bluegill, one better than me.

I must admit I've scratched my head at fly rodders pursuing carp before. But after this morning, I get it. I've never seen a fish that needed the perfect presentation and the perfect fly selection, but that was also so hard to spook. These carp were doing their dance 2 feet in front of both me and the cormorant, befuddling both of us.

I left about 9am and they were still at it but had slowed down and moved out to deeper water.

If you happen to catch the Tidal Basin at high tide, especially if the water is over the sidewalk, definitely stop and try for these.

Aaron

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[Ernie]

Great story!

You inspired to chase some carp today at a local pond. They were
cruising around the Mulroney trees. I gave them my best shot but no
takers.

Ernie

[TAEHWAN KIM]

Aaron,

 

Was it something like this one?

Got this one at  Tidal Basin four years ago.

When I hooked the carp,there was still day light, but the time I landed the carp, It was dark.

Keep on tryin, you will get one....

 

PS : all ways carry a landing net .

 

Todd

[Aaron Hobbins]

Nice picture, Todd. It certainly felt like I had a lug like that on. I would love to see that fish in my little trout net. Next time I'll bring a larger net...

Tide conditions look almost identical for Monday morning so I think I'll be back out there tomorrow. 

One other thing that might be of interest to the group -- I had my fishing license checked by a Park Police officer while I was out there. 

Maybe I'll see some fellow fly rodders out there in the morning.