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Grass Carp

Grass Carp

Grass carp in Nebraska are robust, cigar-shaped fish with broad, blunt heads and terminal, horizontal mouths. They have large dark-edged scales with a cross-hatched appearance and can grow to exceptional sizes, often exceeding 50 pounds and living for decades.

Scientific Name: Ctenopharyngodon idella

Physical Characteristics:
  • Robust, cigar-shaped fish with broad, blunt heads and terminal, horizontal mouths.
  • They have large dark-edged scales with a cross-hatched appearance and can grow to exceptional sizes, often exceeding 50 pounds and living for decades.
  • Nebraska's state bowfishing records for grass carp weigh around 80 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Nebraska, grass carp are found in the Missouri River and have been stocked in selected reservoirs, sandpits, and ponds statewide.
  • These Asian natives are found in shallow water areas.

Key Locations

  • Nebraska's reservoirs, sandpits, ponds statewide, and Missouri River areas.
  • Found in the Missouri River and have been stocked in selected reservoirs, sandpits, and ponds statewide.

Specific Spots

  • Look for them in shallow water areas, marshy zones, and around aquatic vegetation.
  • Prefer areas with aquatic vegetation and can often be found in marshy areas, shallow shoreline flats, and the back end of bays.
  • Particularly in shallow water less than 10 feet deep.

Grass Carp FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Grass Carp in Nebraska?

Size 12-16 beadhead woolly buggers (in multiple weights for different depths), size 14-18 beadhead hares ear nymphs, size 18-22 midge patterns, size 12-14 CDC caddis patterns, and size 12-16 hopper patterns.

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

Late spring through summer, with May and June being optimal. Spawning occurs in late spring through summer when water temperatures reach 60-80°F in flowing water, typically May through July.

How do you catch Grass Carp in Nebraska?

For fly fishing: approach stealthily to avoid spooking these wary fish, cast 10-15 feet ahead of cruising fish, and use slow, subtle movements. Look for tailing fish (anal fins breaking the surface) as prime targets, and watch for fish feeding on surface items like cottonwood seeds or cattail seeds.

What do Grass Carp eat?

Primarily herbivorous, consuming large amounts of aquatic vegetation but will eat a wide variety of plant and animal material when preferred plants are unavailable. They're inefficient at digesting plant material, passing about half through undigested.

Where do Grass Carp live in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, grass carp are found in the Missouri River and have been stocked in selected reservoirs, sandpits, and ponds statewide. These Asian natives are found in shallow water areas.

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