What areas of the lake to target in November

Dam overflow

The deepest part of the lake will often be along the dam wall, which can also be holding onto heat from the summer months and a few degrees warmer. Natural foods may also find their way here due to flow.

Silt

Silt can hold natural food such as invertebrates - so can be areas fish will feed in naturally. Look out for bubbling over silty areas of lakebed and look to introduce some bait if you see fish activity. 

Gravel

Any feature out in the lake can hold carp - fish won’t be so mobile now the temperature has dropped, so shoals can gather around gravel bars. Try placing a bait on top of the bar and one at the bottom to see where the fish may be. 

Deep holes

Again fish can shoal up in deep holes as they represent cover or warmer water zones, but it’s not just bottom baits that can work here. Zig Rigs can be also worth a go in the deeper water as fish move over the area. 

Dying lilies

Another natural food larder that also offers cover that the fish will be comfortable to feed around. The water depth is often around 6ft or less in the vicinity of lilies - these areas of can often produce results on warmer, sunny days. 

Dying weedbed

Fish always like weedbeds as they feel safe in the cover they offer even when they are dying back at this time of year. Fishing in them with long hook lengths and pop-ups or a Chod Rig can capitalise on shoals of fish using the area. 

Island

Try not to fish too tight to islands in the colder weather, as fish will prefer the more temperature stable environment at the bottom of the marginal slope. Try introducing a small amount of bait at the bottom of the slope. 

Shallow bay

Fish can get up in these shallow areas on warm sunny days as the water temperature may rise a very small amount. Carp love warmth and will take advantage of temperature increases no matter how small.

Overhanging trees

Carp feel safe under these areas at any time of year, if you also have deep margins then it’s well worth introducing some bait tight to these tree lines, combining both stable warmer water and a safe patrol route.  

Inlet pipe

Inlet pipes will offer fresh oxygenated water that can hold suspended solid matter, which will cloud the generally clearer water attracting carp into the area - especially at times when the flow-rate is high. 

Reedbed

This type of feature offers valuable cover for all fish and will also hold natural food. If there is a decent depth (5-8ft)
off the front of them, it’s definitely worth a rod and a sprinkling of bait. 

Showing fish

Always worth looking out for, at anytime of year, especially in the colder months. If your rods aren’t producing bites be prepared to wind one in and stick it on top of any fish activity. Wait for one to show and put a bait in the rings.