Common Carp

Species image (Illustration Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

What it looks like

• large, deep-bodied fish
• "whiskers" (barbels) beside mouth
• back and sides vary from silver to olive-green, brassy or grey
• yellowish belly
• orange-red lower fins
• partially scaled cheek and gill cover
• one dorsal spine

Size

• length: 30-75 centimetres (12-30 inches)
• weight: 0.2-3.5 kilograms (0.5-7 pounds)
• Ontario record: 17.4 kilograms (38.5 pounds)

Similar fish

• Freshwater Drum

Where it’s found

Species distribution map (modified from Mandrak and Crossman, 1992)

Range

• throughout the Great Lakes region from the upper St. Lawrence River to Lake Superior
• many inland lakes, reservoirs and rivers
• use Fish ON-Line, an interactive mapping tool, to find specific lakes and rivers

Habitat

• warm, shallow, weedy lakes and rivers
• bottoms and water from clear to murky
• urban areas and habitats unsuitable for other fish

Angling tips

• large, tough fish, capable of great speed and power
• prime fishing in early morning and late evening
• still fishing with natural bait works best
• place bait directly on the bottom
• easily caught from shore with rod and reel

Common baits

• doughballs (soft or hard, often homemade)
• liver paste and bread crumbs rolled into small balls
• large kernel corn, boiled potato
• earthworms