by Bridget Keep
Spring 2008 has left anglers facing some unprecedented high water levels on many lakes and rivers both here and abroad. The rainfall in France, similar to Good old Blighty over the last 3 months, has been high and continual.
So what can we do when faced with more water than we bargained for?
The first thing to remember is the carp are still in the lake and usually still wanting to feed. Whilst sudden influxes of cold water can slow down the carps metabolism, in most cases the water is still overall warming up, with day and night time temperatures picking up as the season goes on. So look to the margins & other shallower water areas where the water is warmest because this is undoubtedly where the carp are likely to be.
I remember a few years back taking a stroll around ae famous French lake when it was in flood in March – The spit between the lakes was under 18″ of water and I saw numerous huge carp attracted to the water over the
spit which suddenly had become a new gravel bar and an excellent source of food. They were churning up the bottom in only 15″ to18″ of water like hungry kids at a birthday party! It really was fantastic sight as most had their backs out of the water due to the lack of depth.
So take good look at the lake and don’t forget to ask the owner/bailiff etc if there are any ‘new’ features under the water, search out the shallower areas and remember if something doesn’t work change your tactics. Catching carp isn’t about luck it’s about tactics!
Very importantly though – go prepared – check out the weather in advance (a ‘weather check’ link will shortly appear on the Angling Lines website) or ring the agent or lake directly to find out what the banks are currently like. At this moment in time, (April 10th as I write this) many lakes in France are flooded, though any reputable agent will already have rung you if the conditions are so bad that fishing isn’t possible. Wet weather & the ensuing mud is not a problem, if you are geared up for it, it is a problem though, if you are not kitted up and can’t get anything dry! A couple of useful items to take would bean Army poncho and a set of neoprene chest waders. Both these items will make a difference in nasty conditions and allow you to possibly wade out and reach an otherwise inaccessible area of the lake.
So water, water everywhere…. tight lines!
Bridget
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