Carp behaviour in rivers

[Old Nick]

Do carp patrol a specific area in a river or rove its whole length (assuming its accessible)?

I was fishing one of the pevensey drains yesterday and noticed several carp moving through my swim, I want to target them specifically but would they still be patroling around my old swim or is it more likely they would have moved up/down river and I was just lucky?

 

[barbelboi]

Most river carp are nomadic but it is possible to hold them in areas with regular baiting.
Jerry

 

[martyn28]

As above regular baiting also little and often

 

[Old Nick]

Thanks guys, I will start a prebaiting campaign in the area I saw them and se how it goes

A very timely article by Mark Barret too - look forward to the next part

Best

Nick

 

[barbelboi]

River carp can be hard work so it might be something you need to stick with. Also, it's worth remembering that they tend to fight harder than the still water ones so stepping up tackle might be a consideration.
Jerry

 

[Old Nick]

Thanks Jerry stepped up tackle is a good point especially as the spot I will be targeting is next to some reed beds

Best

Nick

 

[terry m]

They will naturally gravitate towards recognisable features, slacks, snags, eddies, deep pools etc.

A baiting campaign along with a good set of polaroids is the way to go.