Why Late Autumn Is the Ultimate Season for Big Crucian Carp
Let me tell you—late autumn? It’s not just good for fishing big crucian carp (you know, those plump little freshwater gems). It’s the GOLDEN HOURS, and if you’re not out there with your rod, you’re missing out. Like, seriously—what are you even doing with your free time? I’ve been hitting the water any chance I get lately, and let’s just say my arms are sore from reeling in fish left and right. No exaggeration—this season’s bite is insane.
Last week, I went night fishing with a buddy at our usual spot. We came back with half a big bucket full of crucians. Then, just two days later? I had a few hours free in the afternoon, so I decided to check out a new spot. Spoiler: The action didn’t slow down one bit. Everyone says “even gods can’t catch fish at noon”—but that’s total BS if you ask me. It all depends on the season, the spot, and how you set up. We’re not gods, right? So if the conditions line up, you can catch fish all day long. Right now? If you do it right, crucians will bite non-stop—day or night. No joke.
Exploring a New Spot: Longwang Temple River
When & Who I Fished With
Date: October 31st (Halloween, but the only trick was the fish biting like crazy)
Who: Me and an old buddy from the neighborhood—dude’s been fishing with me for years, so we make a solid team.
Where: Longwang Temple River (it’s about 5km from Weiting, super easy to get to if you’re in the area)
My Gear Setup (No Fancy Stuff—Just What Works)
Let’s break down what I used because gear matters, but you don’t need to drop a fortune. Here’s my go-to combo lately:
- Rod: 5.4m Jiadianni Lake & Reservoir Rod (28-tone action—perfect for fighting crucians without breaking lines)
- Line Setup: 1.2 main line (Zhan Shen brand) + 0.8 fluorocarbon leader + size 4 sleeve hooks (sharp enough to hook ‘em, not too big to scare ‘em)
- Floats: Minjian Yiren Nano Float (2.16g weight—adjusted to 2 eyes, fished at 4 eyes. Super sensitive, so I can feel even the tiniest nibble)
- Bait: Bottom feeder mix + rice wine grains (pre-made base + my own twist—you’ll see why later)
How I Prepped My Bait (The Secret Sauce? Warm Water)
Here’s a pro tip I swear by: Always mix your bait with lukewarm water (around 60°C). Why? It makes the bait clump better, stay on the hook longer, and the scent spreads faster. I mixed mine at home before heading out—saved time, and the bait was perfect by the time we got to the spot. Check out this pic of my prepped bait: 
The Fishing Trip: 3 Hours of Non-Stop Action
Getting Set Up & Starting the Catch
We arrived at Longwang Temple River around 1:10 PM. First step? Mark our spots, throw in some pre-made bottom bait to attract the fish, then set up our rods and adjust the floats. By 1:30 PM, we were ready to cast. My buddy used a 4.5m rod, fishing at 2m depth. I stuck with my 5.4m, targeting 1.5m depth—sometimes shallower spots hold more crucians in late autumn, especially when the sun’s out.
Within 10 minutes of casting, my float dipped. BAM—first crucian of the day! It was a solid 2 ounces, nice and plump. My buddy wasn’t far behind—his float went under 5 minutes later. From there? It was chaos (the good kind). We barely had time to chat—every time we reeled in one fish, we’d cast right back and get another bite. No slowdowns, no lulls—just constant action.
Our Catch: Numbers & Sizes
We fished from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM (my buddy had to leave early for something, so we called it a day). Let’s talk numbers—they’re pretty wild:
- Me: 57 crucian carp (most 2 ounces, a few a bit bigger)
- My buddy: 42 crucian carp (dude loves using buckets to carry his catch—total old-school fisherman move)
Check out my catch in a big fishing net (the kind I use for reservoirs—way too big for these crucians, but it works): 
We didn’t catch any 4-5 ounce monsters this time—probably because it’s not cold enough yet. But hey, 2-ounce crucians are still delicious, and the non-stop bite made up for it. I was so focused on catching fish, I barely took any photos—just a few videos (which I can’t share right now, sorry!). But trust me, the net was full, and my arms were tired by the end.
Night Fishing Recap: The Usual Spot, Half a Bucket Full
Before we get to the end, let’s flashback to that night fishing trip. We hit our regular spot (not new, but still productive) and came back with half a big bucket of crucians. No photos of that—we were too busy reeling in fish and laughing about how good the bite was. But if you’ve ever fished at night, you know the vibe: quiet, stars out, and every time your float moves, your heart races. That night? It was non-stop heart races.
Final Thoughts: My Go-To Tips for Late Autumn Crucian Fishing
After two solid trips, here are the things I think made the difference—no fancy jargon, just real tips:
- Don’t skip prepping bait with warm water: It’s a game-changer for how long the bait stays on the hook.
- Try different depths: My buddy fished 2m, I fished 1.5m—both worked, but sometimes one depth is better than the other.
- Walk around: Everyone says “the pond is bad,” but if you’re lazy, you’ll never find the good spots. I found Longwang Temple River by just driving around and checking out small waterways.
- Go any time: Day or night—right now, crucians are hungry. Don’t let the “noon curse” stop you.
Honestly, I’m already planning my next trip. Maybe this weekend? I’ll check the weather, grab my gear, and hit a new spot. If you’re a fisherman, get out there—this season’s bite is too good to miss. And if you’re not? Maybe give it a try—catching fish is addictive, and the feeling of reeling in a bite after waiting a few minutes? Unbeatable.
Oh, and one last thing: Don’t forget to clean your gear after every trip. I learned that the hard way—last year, I left my rod wet, and the guide rings rusted. Now I dry everything off as soon as I get home. Small thing, but it saves you money in the long run.
