When winter arrives, and many natural venues become unfishable due to flooding, freezing conditions, or muddy banks, commercial fisheries become a prime destination for anglers. These well-stocked venues offer reliable fishing, convenient access, and even some comforts like toilets or cafés.

Winter fishing on commercials can still be productive, but understanding fish behaviour and making the right bait choices will significantly improve your success. Here’s a handy guide to help you make the most of your sessions.

Fish to Target in Winter

Carp

Carp remain active in colder months, though smaller fish tend to feed more readily. They are often drawn to an area when feed is introduced. Larger carp, on the other hand, become sluggish, shoal up, and seek out the warmest depths available.

F1s

A hybrid between a carp and a crucian, F1s are specifically bred for commercial fisheries. They feed actively in winter, don’t breed, and stay in great condition. If your venue has F1s, expect them to make up a significant part of your catch.

Roach, Rudd & Ide

These species are usually the first to feed in winter and can quickly fill up on free offerings. Feeding little but often is key. On sunny days, they may rise in the water column, making shallow fishing a viable option.

Bream

Bream can be unpredictable—some days they’ll feed all day, while other times they’ll only eat for short periods or not at all. They typically hold near the bottom and, when in the mood, can provide fantastic sport.

Perch

Perch love cover, such as trees, dead lily pads, or fishing platforms. Always try dropping a bait near these features to see if a hungry perch is lurking nearby.

Top Winter Baits & How to Use Them

Maggots

A classic cold-water bait, maggots appeal to almost all species. Regularly check your hook bait—damaged maggots are often the first sign that fish are in the area. If you’re catching too many small fish, consider switching to a larger bait.

Expander Pellets

Soft and slow-sinking, expander pellets are excellent winter baits. They give fish more time to react and are particularly effective for carp, F1s, and bream.

Expander Groundbait

Light and low in feed content, this groundbait creates an attractive cloud in the water without overfeeding fish. Ideal for use in clear winter waters when paired with expander pellet hook baits.

Micro Pellets

A small handful can create plenty of attraction, but be careful not to overfeed—winter fish require less food.

Sweetcorn

A great bait for larger carp and bream. However, it can lead to long waits between bites. Perfect for when you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of tea.

Bread

A top bait for winter roach when used with a bread punch. It’s also an effective hook bait for carp when fished on the bomb.

Wafters

In winter, use sweet-flavored wafters in various colors to attract fish. Primarily a carp bait, but bream will also take them.

Effective Winter Fishing Tactics

Plan A: Keep It Simple & Fish Where They Feed

Pole or Waggler Fishing: Start by fishing at a comfortable distance in front of you. Many commercial fisheries have a shelf about five meters out—use a plummet to locate where the depth increases, as fish often search for food here.

Light & Regular Feeding: Instead of overfeeding, introduce small amounts consistently to keep fish interested without making them full.

Plan B: Search for Bigger Fish

Ledgering for Shoaled Carp: In winter, carp tend to shoal up at different depths. Use slow-sinking baits like wafters or bread on a 3ft hook length with a ledger setup.

Cover More Water: Cast to different areas and leave your bait in place for about 20 minutes. If you find one fish, there’s a good chance more are nearby.

Final Tips

Stay Mobile: If you’re not getting bites, try different spots rather than waiting too long in one swim.

Keep It Small: In winter, less is more—small baits, small hooks, and light feeding will produce better results.

Stay Warm & Enjoy It! Winter fishing can be challenging but rewarding. Wrap up, take a flask, and enjoy the peaceful banks while others stay indoors!

Good luck, and tight lines! 🎣

Winter Commercial Carp fishing – F1