Silver Carp
Silver Carp are invasive planktivorous fish that have established significant populations throughout Mississippi's river systems and oxbow lakes.
Scientific Name: Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
- These deep-bodied, laterally compressed fish are distinguished by their large, toothless mouths with upturned lower jaws, small silver scales covering their bodies (except the scaleless head), and eyes positioned far forward and below the mouth.
- They can grow over 3 feet long and commonly reach 20 pounds, with some individuals exceeding 80 pounds.
Fishing in Mississippi
Pearl River
Yazoo River
Mississippi River
Leaf River
Bouie River
Ross R Barnett Reservoir
Lake Castle
Big Black River
Pelahatchie Creek
Lake Dockery
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They inhabit the Mississippi River and its tributaries, with established populations in oxbow lakes.
- The hypereutrophic conditions in Mississippi's agricultural oxbow lakes, rich in cotton and soybean runoff, create ideal habitat for these filter-feeding fish.
Key Locations
- Mississippi River and its tributaries, with established populations in oxbow lakes including Moon Lake in northwestern Mississippi, a 947-hectare oxbow that supports significant Silver Carp populations.
Specific Spots
- Target water depths of 2.0 to 5.9 meters in oxbow lakes.
- Adults prefer slow-flowing backwaters, tributary streams, main-channel borders, side-channel borders, and areas behind wing dikes, avoiding main-channel habitat.
- Fish the slow-flowing backwater areas, tributary mouths, side-channel borders, and areas behind wing dikes rather than main-channel habitat.
Silver Carp FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Silver Carp in Mississippi?
Traditional baits are largely ineffective since they are filter feeders consuming microscopic plankton. Some experimental success has been reported using algae-based baits made from chlorella and spirulina.
When is the best time to fish for Silver Carp in Mississippi?
Winter months (December-February) offer the best opportunity as fish aggregate more tightly during this period. Focus efforts during non-spawning periods, particularly late fall through early winter.
How do you catch Silver Carp in Mississippi?
Most Silver Carp in Mississippi are harvested through commercial operations targeting schools of fish with specialized netting techniques rather than individual angling efforts.
What do Silver Carp eat?
They are filter feeders that consume phytoplankton, small zooplankton, and other suspended organic matter.
Where do Silver Carp live in Mississippi?
They inhabit the Mississippi River and its tributaries, with established populations in oxbow lakes. The hypereutrophic conditions in Mississippi's agricultural oxbow lakes, rich in cotton and soybean runoff, create ideal habitat for these filter-feeding fish.
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