Seasons

Carp Fishing Seasons in Michigan

Where to fish, how to bait, and what actually changes through the year

Michigan carp fishing is seasonal whether we like it or not. Water temperature, weed growth, oxygen levels, and natural food all shift — and your approach needs to shift with it.

You don’t need new gear every season.
You need small adjustments in location, baiting, and presentation.

This hub shows how I approach carp fishing from ice-out to late fall in Northern Michigan waters.

No hype. Just what works.

Quick Start (pick your season)

If you just want the short version:

• Early Spring (40–50°F): Small feeds, particles, slow water
• Late Spring (50–60°F): Start building spots, introduce boilies
• Summer (60–75°F): Location beats bait — fish weed edges and wind
• Early Fall (55–65°F): Feed heavier, carp are packing on weight
• Late Fall (45–55°F): Tight spots, digestible bait, shorter sessions

If you’re unsure, start with Spring tactics and adjust from there.

Spring (Ice-Out to Pre-Spawn)

Cold water, slow metabolism, tight feeding windows

Spring carp don’t roam much. They sit in:

• Shallow bays
• Dark bottoms
• Protected coves
• Back ends of channels

They want warmth before food.

Bait approach:

• Sweetcorn
• Hemp
• Small particle mixes
• Tiny PVA bags
• Minimal boilies

Feed light. Think teasing bites, not filling fish.

My rule:

If water is under 50°F — accuracy beats quantity.

Late Spring / Early Summer (Post-Spawn)

This is when fishing really starts.

Carp recover from spawning and begin feeding properly again.

You’ll find them:

• Along weed lines
• On gravel bars
• Near inflows
• Following warm winds

Bait approach:

• Particles + boilies together
• Start building small feeding spots
• Balanced wafters over clean bottom

This is when I introduce boilies slowly and consistently.

Summer (Peak Season)

Fast growth, heavy weed, lots of movement

Summer carp move constantly. Oxygen and weed growth dictate everything.

Look for:

• Fresh weed edges
• Clear pockets
• Windward banks
• Deeper water during heat waves

Bait approach:

• Boilies become main feed
• Particles for attraction
• PVA for singles
• Accurate top-ups instead of big dumps

Don’t overbait. Summer carp already have natural food everywhere.

My rule:

If weeds are thick — fish the edges, not the jungle.

Early Fall

This is your big-fish window.

Water cools, weeds die back, carp feed hard.

They’re preparing for winter.

Bait approach:

• Increase boilie volume
• Higher nutrition
• Keep particles in the mix
• Longer sessions pay off

This is when consistent baiting really shines.

Late Fall

Cooling water, shorter feeding spells

Carp group up and hold in deeper areas.

They still eat — just not for long.

Bait approach:

• Highly digestible boilies
• Smaller portions
• Tight spots
• Singles with PVA

Think precision, not campaigns.

Once water drops into the mid-40s, slow everything down.

Michigan Notes (what matters here)

Big natural lakes change fast.

Pay attention to:

• Wind direction
• Water temperature
• Weed die-off
• Natural food (zebra mussels, insects)

Location will always beat bait.

Simple Seasonal Rules

• Cold water → small feeds
• Warm water → spread bait
• Weedy water → clean edges
• Clear bottoms → tighter presentations
• Not sure → start with corn and build from there

My Basic Seasonal Check (60 seconds)

Before every session I ask:

1. Where is the warmest water?
2. Where is the cleanest bottom?
3. Is bait necessary — or just attraction?
4. Can I fish tighter?

That answers 90% of Michigan carp puzzles.

If You’re Brand New

Start here:

• Learn simple particles first
• Use the Hair Rig
• Fish short sessions
• Feed lightly
• Watch water more than YouTube

Carp teach you if you let them.

Final Word

Seasons don’t require complicated tactics.

They require paying attention.

Start simple. Adjust slowly. Feed sensibly.

Let the lake tell you what to do.