Common Carp

For subsurface fishing: medium brown patterns resembling crayfish and sculpins, saltwater bonefish patterns like Crazy Charlies, and weighted flies that sink quickly to stay near bottom. For dry fly fishing: Hopper patterns work particularly well during grasshopper season.

The prime season for carp fishing in Montana is during hot summer days, particularly August. Grasshopper season is particularly effective for surface feeding. Spawning occurs from May through July with peak spawning mid-June to early July, making this period ideal for avoiding fishing pressure on spawning fish.

The approach is entirely sight-fishing to shallow cruising fish. Casts should be made about five feet upstream of spotted fish, allowing flies to sink and drift into position. A slow strip retrieve often triggers follows and strikes. Use strip sets similar to saltwater fishing rather than traditional trout sets.

Their diet consists of organic detritus (primarily plant matter), chironomids, small crustaceans, gastropods, and any available aquatic organisms including fish e.g.gs. They're opportunistic bottom feeders that stir up sediment while feeding, causing water turbidity.

Primarily inhabit lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with pools and backwaters. They achieve their greatest numbers in Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Arod Lakes, Tiber Reservoir, and sections of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. Widespread throughout eastern drainages but largely absent from western waters.