WORDS & IMAGES: Krištof Cuderman*

Three years ago I fished the big Lac du Der in France and so I decided to try something new this time. I set myself on a trip to a new country, a new lake, with a high goal, in order to experience a crazy new adventure. My girlfriend, Marina and I travelled to Lake Orellana in Spain with the ambition of catching a 50lbs -plus carp. 

Discovering new countries and lakes is a special kind of challenge for me when it comes to fishing. Each lake is so different and requires a different approach – tactics, gear, bait etc. Big, open lakes of 1000-plus hectares are even more special as their size and weather patterns play a special part in determining how successful the fishing session will be.

 Lake Orellanalies in south-western part of Spain, approximately halfway between Madrid and Sevilla, in the province of Extremadura. It is some 5000ha in extent, 37km long and up to 70 meters deep. It was built in 1960 in the Guadiana River. Like several other lakes in the area, Orellana was also built to serve the needs of the local agriculture that is known for its tomatoes, olive oil, peaches and nectarines.

 Carp were stocked the same year as it was built and have bred so successfully that no further stockings have ever been required, which means that the carp we are catching at Orellana today are completely wild. 

The carp at Orellana are mostly long commons with a noticeably big mouth that is typical for most big lakes. The official record of the lake is 34,3kg which is also the official Spanish record. Although the lake has a good population of big carp it does not make catching one over 20kg an easy task – quite the opposite, as catching a big carp in the lake is locally regarded as a huge challenge. The main food source is the abundant crayfish, and the lake is well known for its pike and bass. 

Big lakes

The fishing approach at big open lakes is a bit different compared to smaller lakes. Every minor problem can quickly turn into a big problem when you are fishing a big lake. You are fishing at longer distances, the surface of the water is much larger and therefore more unpredictable. You cannot rely on other anglers as there is usually no one fishing nearby. Fishing big lakes requires reliable gear, especially the boat and its equipment. Wind is the most important weather aspect and it can make or break a session. It can bring lots of fish, but also lots of troubles with navigating the boat. A strong motor, life jacket, GPS in case you get lost in the fog, paddles in case the motor breaks down and a flashlight are essential items – without it one can quickly run into big troubles.

Some of the carp habits are also different at big lakes when compared to smaller waters. The most important thing is to locate the carp. They have a huge habitat available and they certainly take full advantage of that. They can travel big distances in a very short time, either for food or weather change. It is a very well known ”rule” that the wind is much needed when fishing big lakes. Western and southern winds are especially desirable. It is best when wind is blowing in the direction of our position, in other words when wind is blowing in our face as we are facing the lake. These are definitely the best conditions to bring you success at big lakes. The wind and waves are washing food off the lake’s shores and bringing it closer to our position which attracts hungry carp. Warm water at the surface is mixing with the cold water in the depths which brings more oxygen as well.