Cold Nights Slow the Fishing

A carp landed recently swims off.
Carp fishing has been slow in the 
last week.

We have quickly moved into an early winter fishing mode.  Those nights below freezing last week put the chill in carp fishing in RI and slowed things greatly.  Here are some observations of the last week:

*The water has really cooled down.  I'm guessing it has dropped at least 10 to 15 degrees and that sudden drop has really slowed the fishing.

*I have seen little to no activity.  No jumps, no bubble trails, no fish cruising in close.

*The fish are sluggish on the fight.  The few I have caught are noticeably sluggish on the fight, a sure sign of cold water.

*The pests have disappeared.  Turtles, bluegills and horned pout have been non-existent in the last week.

*Big fish are not hitting.  All the fish I have taken in the last week have been under 12 lbs. Those big fish of October are just not hitting.

*The warmest parts of the day have been best.  Late afternoon and early evening into early night have been the best times.

*Smaller bodies of water have been best.  These are places that will heat up the most on a warm day.  Big bodies of water have not been productive for me.