Grass Carp

In some countries grass carp are an integral part of fish culture and form an important source of fish protein.

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A GRASS CARP

The mullet-shaped head with a terminal mouth and no barbel, and coarse dark-edged scales are distinctive features of the grass carp. The dorsal fin, with 8 rays, is short and located at mid-body, above the pelvic fins. Paired anal fins are short and attached low on the body. The coloration is typically olive green to silvery white.

WHERE TO CATCH GRASS CARP

The grass carp is a fish that is native to rivers of China and Eastern Siberia (the Amur River system) that flow into the Pacific Ocean. They have been widely introduced around the world for aquatic weed control and aquaculture purposes. In the United States, naturally reproducing, non-triploid populations are reported around Mississippi River Basin. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

FRESHWATER LAKES AND PONDS           OVERHANGING TREES AND BUSHES

RIVERS AND STREAMS                                    DAMS AND FALLS

EDDIES                                                         UNDERCUTS

OUTSIDES OF BENDS                                      RIPARIAN ZONES

ROCK AND BOULDER POCKETS                        DROP-OFFS

MERGING CURRENTS                                     CURRENT EDGES

 

HOW TO CATCH GRASS CARP

While grass carp might be reluctant to bite, once hooked they are strong fish that put up a tenacious fight and are known to jump. Being an herbivorous fish, the most popular methods of targeting grass carp include still fishing with dough balls but fly fishing for this species is becoming increasingly popular. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

 

DRIFT FISHING                           STILL FISHING

FLY FISHING                     SPIN CASTING

 

GRASS CARP LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

 

BREAD OR DOUGH BALLS                      FLIES