Common Carp

Fly fishing can be productive using patterns that imitate crayfish or benthic insects - effective patterns include San Juan Worms, Mop Flies, Carpinator flies (with dumbbell eyes that stand upright on bottom), Clouser Swimming Nymphs, John Montana's Hybrid Worms (especially effective in waters with clams), Mulberry...

The best fishing occurs during warmer months from late spring through early autumn when water temperatures are optimal and carp are most active. Avoid fishing during spring spawning period.

Techniques include sight fishing in shallow water, the 'drag and drop' method (cast beyond the fish, strip until fly is positioned correctly, then let it settle), and 'the drop' as a trigger by dropping the fly in front of feeding fish.

As omnivorous bottom feeders, they consume a diverse diet including planktonic crustaceans, insects and their larvae, worms, aquatic insects, mollusks, crustaceans, decaying organic matter, seeds, tender parts of water plants, fish e.g.gs and larvae, and smaller fish.

Today they're found throughout Michigan in the Great Lakes, large inland lakes and reservoirs, large and small rivers, swamps, canals and drains. Common carp prefer shallow, muddy habitats with aquatic vegetation.