Winter Carp on the Club Lake | Beating Flooded Swims for a 21lb Common 🎣

Trip 2 Carp Fishing - 2026I wasn’t sure I’d even make it out this week. With a house full of sick people, I was convinced it was only a matter of time before I went down with it myself. Thankfully, I stayed well enough to take a chance and load the car.With Monday night forecast as a washout, I had to think carefully about venue choice. Meadow Lake was ruled out straight away, leaving the club lake as the best option—despite fallen trees, closed swims, and water levels sitting right on the edge of flooding. As it turned out, those closed swims worked in my favour, giving me more space and less pressure.In this session I talk through my approach on a shallow, bait-boat-dominated lake, why I avoid spombing here, and how my simple “chuck-and-dump” baiting strategy helps keep the carp confident. Three spots, three hookbaits, steady pressure, and classic winter conditions set the scene.Mid-afternoon, the right-hand rod tore off and resulted in a hard-fighting 21lb 3oz common—a result I genuinely didn’t expect given how quiet the lake felt afterward. Silent nights, dropping temperatures, and tricky conditions followed, making that early bite feel even more special.A realistic winter session: one chance, one fish, and plenty of lessons. With February approaching and daylight stretching out, I’m hopeful things will soon start to turn.Until next time,Be luckyRichard