Carp feed in the winter!!

No way do carp quit feeding in the winter. Carp simply require less ration of nutrients when their standard metabolism slows as it does in lower temperatures. Carp evolving as a colder water fish are active in the winter. That is the second type of metabolism, the active metabolism, which keeps them feeding.

Additionally, gonadal development occurs over the wintering period and energy needs to be stored for the phrenetic spawn activity in the spring to come. The development of eggs and sperm deters the growth of carp of spawning age if ration is reduced, but carp found in waters of sufficient forage will actually grow in the colder water period. The lower metabolism of winter actually enables them to grow on less nutrition. This also enables them to live greatly longer than carp which spend the year in warmer water. The warm water carp live life 'in the fast lane' so to speak, and the imposed higher standard metabolism shortens their lives.

In winter feed carp less often, if you chum, chum less and fish over the chum days later. Use breakdown baits like groundbait and mielie bom which carp will not be able to consume largely. Increase use of scents and flavors. Reduce baits to 10mm, or smaller items such as particles or maize. Use smaller and sharper hooks. Consider fishing slack lines as bite indication is difficult in the winter. Reduce the weight of your leads or try running rigs. Check some of the current UK carp mags as winter angling tips are everywhere right now.

I know you fish in the snow BigDog. Go get em. Al