Cyprinus carpio
The common carp has undergone a remarkable transformation in the fly fishing world, evolving from a derided rough fish to one of the most challenging and rewarding freshwater species available to fly anglers. Originally native to Asia and eastern Europe, carp have been introduced to waters on every continent except Antarctica and are now the most widely distributed freshwater fish on Earth. Carp are large, powerful, and incredibly wary fish that present a sight fishing challenge comparable to bonefishing on tropical flats. Stalking tailing carp in shallow water with weighted nymphs and crayfish patterns demands stealth, precise casting, and a patient approach that has earned carp the nickname freshwater bonefish among devoted practitioners. When hooked, carp make sustained, drag-testing runs that can strip a hundred yards of backing from the reel, humbling anglers accustomed to the comparatively modest fights of trout.
Order
Cypriniformes
Family
Cyprinidae
Genus
Cyprinus
Species
C. carpio
Warm, shallow lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with soft bottoms; muddy flats, weed beds, and flooded shallows where they root for food
Native Range: Central Asia and eastern Europe, from the Danube River basin east through the Caspian and Aral Sea drainages to China and Japan
Introduced Range: Virtually every continent except Antarctica; established in North America since the 1830s, now found in every US state except Alaska
Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, crayfish, worms, plant matter, algae, seeds, and small mollusks; uses sensitive barbels and a protrusible mouth to detect and vacuum food from soft substrates
Carp spawn in late spring and early summer when water temperatures reach 64-75°F. They broadcast eggs over aquatic vegetation in shallow, weedy areas during vigorous spawning displays. A single female can produce over one million eggs. Spawning events are conspicuous, with splashing and thrashing in shallow water.
Spawning Months
Spawning Temperature: 64-75°F
The Carp is currently classified as Least Concern (IUCN); considered invasive in many regions where introduced, but prized as a sport and food fish in Europe and Asia. Responsible catch-and-release practices help protect populations for future generations of anglers.
Sight fishing for carp requires approaching tailing or cruising fish from behind and presenting the fly several feet ahead of the fish's path. Let the fly sink to the bottom and wait for the carp to approach. Any unnatural movement or splash will spook wary carp instantly. Small, weighted nymph and crayfish patterns in earthy tones are most effective.
A 9-foot 6 or 7-weight rod with a reliable drag system for handling powerful runs. Use 8-12 lb fluorocarbon tippet and long, fine leaders for the stealthiest presentation.
Average Size
18-28 inches, 5-15 lbs
World Record
75 lbs 11 oz (Lac de St. Cassien, France, 1987)
