Best Times
Golden orfe are most active during the warmer months (April to September), particularly in late spring and summer. This is when they are feeding most aggressively as water temperatures rise.
Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the best times, as golden orfe tend to feed more actively during these periods, especially in the cooler parts of the day.
Common Baits
Maggots: Maggots are a popular choice because they are small, active and easily consumed by golden orfe. They are particularly effective when used in colder months.
Worms: Worms, especially redworms, are another great bait for golden orfe. They’re natural, nutritious and easy for orfe to consume. They can be threaded onto a hook or used in a rig where they sit on the bottom, such as with ledgering techniques.
Pellets: Pellets, particularly fishmeal-based ones, are as excellent bait because golden orfe are often attracted to high-protein foods. Pellets can also be used in groundbait or in method feeders.
Sweetcorn: Sweetcorn is a versatile bait that is highly attractive to golden orfe due to its bright colour and soft texture. Orfe are often drawn to the bright yellow kernels.
Fishing Techniques
Float fishing: Golden orfe often feed in mid-water or close to the surface, particularly in warmer weather. Float fishing allows anglers to present the bait at different depths, increasing their chances of attracting the fish.
Ledgering: A bottom fishing technique where the bait is placed on the lakebed using a weight (ledger). This is a popular method for targeting the golden orfe that feed near the bottom.
Surface Fishing: Golden orfe are known to feed on the surface, particularly during the warmer months. Surface fishing is most effective early in the morning or late in the evening when orfe are actively feeding near the top.
Tackle and Equipment
Rod: Ideal for float fishing, a medium to light float rod around 10 to 12 feet long is perfect for golden orfe. The length provides good casting distance and control over bait. For ledgering, choose a 10 to 11 foot rod with a slightly heavier action to provide control over the heavier rigs and groundbait.
Hooks: Golden orfe have relatively small mouths, so choose hooks in the range of size 10 to 14, depending on the size of the bait being used.
Feeders: Cage feeders are useful when wanting to release bait in a slow, continuous stream over time.
Night Fishing
Golden orfe are typically more active during dawn and dusk, and their feeding activity often increases at night as temperatures cool making night fishing a productive experience. Typically, from late evening (around 9pm to midnight) to early morning (before dawn), golden orfe are more likely to feed because of the stable water temperatures.