Hi jsandy, Corn is obviously one of the best choices for common carp in all areas. As for grass carp Blackberry Boilies on a hair rig are an excellent bait, as well as floating a dog biscuit as Mirrorman has stated.

All of the following are signs of areas where you will find carp.
Dead trees in the water / water lilies / reeds / inlets or outlets of water / large rocks / crayfish / corners of lakes and rivers / bridges / boats / mussels / clams / points of lakes / islands / headlands / shoals / areas where carps are jumping / the warmest areas / windswept banks / areas of irregular depth.

The best spot all year round for carp fishing : find grain elevators on the river bank or lake bank where the ships fill up. It is really the best place to find the biggest carp. Fish as close as you can in front of the ship.

Spring : Look for warm water (shallow spot ). The most important is to find where the water is warmer.

Summer : Look for the jump of the carps. It is very good, 90% of the time.

Fall : The best season for carp fishing. The carp feeds a lot before the winter.

Winter : Usually, it is the low season for carp fishing. If you have 5 or 7 warm days in a row, the same wind (any wind is good except " west wind" which is the worst wind for carp fishing ), Usually the best moment for fishing in winter is between 10am to 5pm when the weather is warmer.