Koi

Koi become more active in the spring (April to June) as they begin to feed more regularly after the winter, making them easier to catch. They are very active in the summer (June to August), but the higher water temperatures can make them more sluggish in the heat of midday. They tend to feed heavily during early mornings and evenings.

As the water temperature starts to drop in the autumn (September to November), koi often feed actively, preparing themselves for the winter.

Pellets: Floating pellets are commonly used for koi, as they float on the water’s surface and attract koi to feed. Sinking pellets can be used if the koi are feeding at the bottom of the lake.

Worms: Worms are a natural food source for koi and are highly attractive to them. Koi often forage for worms in the wild, making them a great bait option.

Boilies: Boilies are used in coarse fishing and are a great option for koi as they come in a variety of flavours and sizes. They are particularly effective when wanting to target larger koi.

Float Fishing: This method works best when catching koi that are actively feeding on the surface, especially in warmer months when they are more likely to be near the top.

Ledgering: Ledgering is a technique in which bait is placed on the bottom of the lake using a weight to keep it in place. This works best when the koi are feeding near the bottom, particularly when the water is colder or when the koi are less active at the surface.

Carp Fishing: This involves using a method feeder to pack groundbait around a hook, which is designed to break up and release scent and flavour into the water. This method works best for larger koi.

Rod and Reels: A strong and durable rod (around 9 to 12 feet) is needed for koi fishing, as these fish can grow quite large, and this allows for long casting and more control over the fish. A baitrunner reel is best for koi fishing, particularly if the bait is left unattended, as it allows the reel to free spool when the fish takes the bait and then automatically engage when an angler strikes.

Floats or Markers: If fishing with floating baits, using a float or a marker to track the bait’s position can be helpful, especially in large bodies of water.

Landing Net: A rubber-coated landing net is essential when handling koi as they have sensitive skin. The rubber coating prevents damage to the fish’s slime coat, which helps protect them from infections.

View Shop

Night fishing for koi can be an engaging and unique experience but anglers should be well-prepared with the right lighting, warm clothing and bite alarms for night sessions.