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Grass Carp

Grass Carp

Grass Carp are large, herbivorous Asian carp native to Southeast Asia and China that have established populations in Louisiana waters since the 1970s.

Scientific Name: Ctenopharyngodon idella

Physical Characteristics:
  • These impressive fish can reach 49 inches and weigh over 90 pounds.
  • They're distinguished by their drab green/olive coloration, extremely large scales, terminal mouth with fleshy lips, lack of barbels, and triangular dorsal fin positioned above the pelvic fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in Louisiana waters since the 1970s in multiple drainage systems.
  • Louisiana's population growth has been relatively gradual compared to northern states, possibly due to limited suitable backwater habitat and extreme summer water temperatures exceeding 86°F in shallow areas.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi, Atchafalaya, Red, Ouachita, Barataria, Teche/Vermilion, Sabine, and Terrebonne drainage systems, with notable populations in the Bonnet Carré Spillway area.
  • Focus on shallow floodplain areas of the Atchafalaya Basin, backwaters of the Mississippi River system, and areas around the Bonnet Carré Spillway.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer shallow areas (6-36 inches deep) adjacent to deeper water for easy escape.
  • Look for tailing fish in shallow water or fish cruising near vegetation.
  • Fish areas where grass or vegetation falls into the water naturally.

Grass Carp FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Grass Carp in Louisiana?

Corn, feed pellets, commercial carp baits, chunks of canned pineapple, dough baits, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, berries, watermelon, and earthworms.

What flies work for Grass Carp in Louisiana?

Beadhead woolly buggers (#12-16), beadhead hare's ears (#14-18), smokejumper midges (#18-22), CDC caddis patterns (#12-14), cottonseed patterns (#12-16), and parachute hoppers (#12-16).

When is the best time to fish for Grass Carp in Louisiana?

Target during late fall through early spring. Winter can be particularly productive. Avoid fishing during spawning periods from April through July.

How do you catch Grass Carp in Louisiana?

Chum areas with corn, feed pellets, or commercial carp baits, then fish a Carolina rig. For fly fishing, focus on stealth as these fish are extremely sensitive to vibrations and movement. Approach slowly and quietly, avoiding shadows on the water. Present flies 10-15 feet ahead of cruising fish and strip slowly.

What do Grass Carp eat?

They're voracious herbivores capable of consuming more than their body weight daily in aquatic vegetation including hydrilla, coontail, filamentous algae, duckweeds, pondweeds, elodea, and chara. When aquatic vegetation is depleted, they shift to terrestrial plants overhanging the water.

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