Common Carp
Common carp are a large, invasive omnivorous fish native to Europe and Asia that were introduced to Minnesota waters as a game fish in the 1880s.
They're established throughout hundreds of waters in the southern two-thirds of Minnesota and a few waters in the northern third, but have not established in areas like the Boundary Waters.
Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio
- These robust fish have large scales, a long dorsal fin base, and two pairs of barbels (whiskers) on their upper jaw, growing up to 122cm with adults displaying light gold to dark brown coloration with reddish fins.
Fishing in Minnesota
Mississippi River
Sauk River
Rum River
Lake Minnetonka
Mille Lacs Lake
Crow River
Snake River
Little Rock Lake
Julia Lake
Long Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found in the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St.
- Croix rivers, as well as numerous lakes.
- In Minnesota, carp have become superabundant in some lakes, primarily in central and southern Minnesota, where they dominate fish biomass in many shallow lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Key Locations
- Mississippi River (especially below St.
- Anthony Falls lock on the west bank near storm sewer outlets), Minnesota River and its floodplain lakes, St.
- Croix River, Rum River inlets and bays, and lakes like Mille Lacs (which harbors trophy-sized carp in the 30-50+ pound range), Minnetonka, Long Lake, Clearwater, Buffalo, and numerous metro lakes including Calhoun, Harriet, Nokomis, Cedar, and Waconia.
Specific Spots
- Target areas just below dams and barriers in streams, current breaks, transition zones from sand to mud, weedlines, and shallow waters during spring warming.
Common Carp FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Common Carp in Minnesota?
Corn (especially cheap, high-sugar Niblets corn) is the ultimate carp attractor and can be used for chumming areas. Other effective baits include doughballs, bread, crawlers, pellets, boilies, and cut bait sections from sucker minnows.
When is the best time to fish for Common Carp in Minnesota?
Warmer months from late spring through early autumn, with summer nights particularly productive.
How do you catch Common Carp in Minnesota?
Bait-and-switch method where carp are trained to aggregate at baited sites, then captured with specialized nets. Box nets can be deployed at baited areas, with corn used to train carp to feed in specific locations. When using corn, keep a tight line and set the hook immediately upon feeling a bite.
What do Common Carp eat?
Carp are voracious omnivorous feeders that forage primarily on plant seeds (especially corn), insect larvae, crustaceans, and algae living in lake sediments.
Where do Common Carp live in Minnesota?
Found in the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix rivers, as well as numerous lakes. In Minnesota, carp have become superabundant in some lakes, primarily in central and southern Minnesota, where they dominate fish biomass in many shallow lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
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