So over the past 3 or 4 years I've basically put the rods away about now and not fished again until March. I've missed out on so much fishing this year due to work (I'm lucky to have kept my job and been busy) in these unprecedented times.

So this this I need to make the effort to get out...

Any tips for fishing at this time of year and into winter when the long nights start. I'm probably not going going to be able to do many work overnighters due to having to pack up so early but intend to try over the next month or so after that I will switch to days only I think. My syndicate lake is rock hard in winter only didn't do a fish for over three months last season so it won't be for the faint hearted I don't think.

Any tips to keep prepared and comfortable etc?

Do you still put a lot of bait in this time of year? I know when I was younger it seemed to be a big feeding time but doesn't always seem like that these days

Thanks all

In reply to Post #1
I have very limited time due to work and kids so quick overnighters is what I do all year, I've had some very good winters with the help of pre baiting, find somewhere the fish are happy to be as the weather gets cold. Pre bait twice a week every week If possible. Boilie maize/sweetcorn and pellet. Through most winters I've spent more time pre baiting then actually fishing but it definitely works if your able to get down there and bait. I would then turn up and fish with just a handful of bait or sometimes a single. Bait the right area and it really can be a massive edge

In reply to Post #1
. . Bit early to pack the rods away IMO - now is the time to fish as much as poss . . .well at least till first frosts at any rate.
Personally think comfort is key . . staying dry and warm cos with cold, rain and dark your going to more bivvy bound than normal.

For me this means breaking out the holiday bivvy (2man Armo) with winterskin so I can spread out in comfort but most importantly create space to hang up damp clothing / waterproofs etc. Also bringing a more substantial day chair and more T kit / water (Tea consumption def goes up) as well as a fully loaded tablet for binge watching / occasional dwarf porn etc . . .

In terms of approach I think its about timing - right now I will be getting the bait in . .but once it starts to get a lot colder maybe switch away from fishmeals and use a cream/nut/easy digest based boilie, crushed up and formed into groundbait balls to get a fine carpet feed situation going . . .

In reply to Post #1
October and early November can be extremely productive. As the weather starts to cool down the fish will be more comfortable in deeper water, especially at night, so try to find these areas. If you're fishing overnighters, depending on your lake, if you're able to prebait a couple of swims and keep the bait going in regularly that will stand you in good stead. Also, if you're organised you can have your rods clipped up, rigs ready tied etc, so by the time you get to the lake in the dark you can just flick the rods out and put the brolly up, job done. When the clocks go back at the end of October it will give you an extra hours daylight in the morning for packing away.

Phil

I fish all year round right through the winter I never hang up my rods at anytime of the year. The winter can be harder but the rewards are there seeing the fish are often at there best weights, as for the autumn don't put your rods away yet this is the best time of the year for me once the weather starts cooling down it's definitely one of the more productive times of the year bud

quiet lakes, stunning scenery and the fish look their best.
the next 3 months are my favourite!

In reply to Post #2
I've started baiting my water ready for starting my campaign mid Oct (work commitments) ....mainly bookies atm tbh....when fishing through winter, I tend to use maggots mostly with some boilie crumb and hookbait tipped with a few wrigglers

In reply to Post #7
I remember 2017 I fished a spot on a lake and baited it from March all the way through to next March. That spot was ridiculously good. Mainly boilie and maize for me

In reply to Post #7
I'd like to throw a few bookies in my lake...good on you...i think I'm not as harsh as you though...I don't think i would do it in the winter though

In reply to Post #1
Spend most of your time finding where some of the fish like to go when the temperatures start to drop, that's pretty much it as you will know stocking levels, trends, winter form etc.

As for the other stuff, go light, take a flask for hot drinks and wear warm clothes, have fun.

In reply to Post #1
Imo you need to be baiting now if you're fishing into/through winter. If you start baiting in winter you'll have missed the boat. If you start early you can keep them on it almost right through.
If you're not planning on regular baiting then I'd have all 3 on zigs from xmas onwards.

In reply to Post #11
Agree in regards to baiting should start now, or already be going in. sadly all 3 of my syndicates are outside my local area so being local lockdown can't get out to any of them

In reply to Post #12
Never done a winter but am gonna attempt it this year I'm hoping we get a mild one

I didn't carp fish last winter, I spent time pike chasing, though carp hunting might be a bit iffy on a 375acre reservoir.
Previous years though I have fished all the way through.

Put in left over bait at the end of every trip (weekly for me).

Be comfortable, warm clothes, decent sleeping bag and shelter, be it brolly system or bivvy.

Plenty of hot food and drinks, so take a stove.
Porridge for breakfast and coffee for me is good. Hot soup or tin of pasta with bread for lunch, and a 'show' meal for dinner.

Lots of good advice here. I would add entertainment. 14 plus hours of darkness in a bivvy in typical winter weather and with most bites (if any) coming during the day is a loooong time. Books, kindle, phone tablet etc. You will need them. Still doing it though.