Summer

Title: Summer Carp in Michigan: Weedbeds, Oxygen, and Bite Windows
Slug: summer-carp-michigan-weedbeds-oxygen
Excerpt: Summer carp can be easy… or they can vanish. In Michigan, oxygen, weed, and timing matter more than fancy bait.

Quick Start

  • Fish early and late (and don’t ignore nights).
  • Focus on weed edges and clean spots near cover.
  • Bait to keep them coming, but don’t turn it into a feeding contest.

What Changes in Summer

In warm water, carp move more, feed more, and use weedbeds like highways. But they also get picky when:

  • Oxygen drops
  • Water gets very hot
  • Weed gets thick and mucky

Step-by-step Michigan Approach

1) Find the “good weed”

Good weed has life in it and clear edges.
Bad weed is rotten, black, and stinks.

Look for:

  • Clean gravel/sand strips beside weed
  • Hard spots within weed
  • Patrol routes along an outer edge

2) Time your session

  • Dawn and last light are reliable.
  • On hot days, midday can be dead. Don’t beat yourself up — move or rest.
  • Night bites can be excellent when it’s been hot for weeks.

3) Baiting strategy (simple and repeatable)

Summer can handle more bait, but it still pays to be controlled.

  • Particles: corn/hemp/tiger mix works well
  • Boilies: consistent nutrition + repeat feeding

A solid approach:

  • Start with a moderate bed (not massive)
  • Add small top-ups after action
  • Keep it clean and consistent

4) Presentation in weed

  • Fish tight to a clear spot with a visible “dinner plate.”
  • If you can’t find clean bottom, use a balanced hookbait to avoid burying.

Michigan Notes

  • In shallow weedy lakes, carp often push shallow at night and drift deeper in full sun.
  • If you’re seeing fish roll but not feed, check oxygen and temperature swings — it’s not always “your rig.”

Common Mistakes

  • Fishing straight into thick weed with no clean spot.
  • Overbaiting and then wondering why the swim dies.
  • Ignoring fish care in hot weather (this one matters).

Fish Care in Summer

  • Keep unhooking time short.
  • Use a wet mat and a big enough net.
  • If it’s brutally hot, think hard about short sessions and quick releases.

FAQ

Do carp feed all day in summer?
They can, but the best windows are often early/late.

Are particles better than boilies in summer?
Particles draw them in fast. Boilies keep them returning. A mix works well.

How do I fish weed without losing fish?
Strong tackle, good angles, and don’t let them kite into thick weed.

Next Steps