They are strong, fast and make long runs for deeper water when hooked. Carp will cruise the shallows looking for insects, crustaceans and crayfish. One thing I try to find is channels or areas that have changing depths. The carp seem to be more comfortable and easier to catch when deeper water is near. My favorite spot on the lake I live on is where several people had dug out areas for their boats.
Carp seem to always be crusing in and out.
I tend to start fly fishing for carp in the end of May to early june. The carp will be spawning and splashing everywhere. When this happens I have found that they almost never take. Look for single fish at this time. They seem not interested in the spawning activities and like to see a well presented fly.