Common Carp
Common Carp in New Hampshire are the largest species of minnow in the state and are abundant in the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers, where they were introduced in the late 1800s, and are also found in Mascoma Lake.
These introduced fish have become naturalized in the larger rivers where they've been residents for over a century.
Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio
- Easily distinguished by two barbels on either side of their upper jaw and large, tough, diamond-shaped scales with olive green to golden bronze coloration.
- They can grow to exceed 60 pounds and live over 20 years.
Fishing in New Hampshire
Merrimack River
Contoocook River
Great Bay
Lake Winnisquam
Lake Winnipesaukee
Piscataqua River
Sunapee Lake
Pemigewasset River
Bellamy River
Squam Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They prefer warm, slow-moving water with aquatic vegetation and mud or silt bottom, though they can be found in various habitats.
Key Locations
- Focus your efforts on the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers and Mascoma Lake.
Specific Spots
- Target shallow areas with aquatic vegetation and mud or silt bottoms adjacent to deeper water escape routes.
- Spawning occurs in spring among aquatic vegetation in shallow water.
Common Carp FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What flies work for Common Carp in New Hampshire?
Effective carp fly patterns include weighted nymph-style flies, scuds, and bottom-oriented patterns that imitate their natural food sources.
When is the best time to fish for Common Carp in New Hampshire?
The spawning period should be avoided for fishing as the fish are focused on reproduction rather than feeding. Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures reach 16-20°C or 61-68°F.
How do you catch Common Carp in New Hampshire?
Key techniques include 'the drop' (letting weighted flies sink in front of feeding fish), 'drag-drop-lay' (casting beyond the fish and stripping line until the fly is positioned correctly), and dapping for close-range presentations.
What do Common Carp eat?
Common Carp are omnivorous with an extremely varied diet, feeding on everything from algae and plant matter to aquatic invertebrates, including planktonic crustaceans, insects and larvae, tender parts and seeds of water plants, fish e.g.gs, and smaller fish.
Where do Common Carp live in New Hampshire?
They prefer warm, slow-moving water with aquatic vegetation and mud or silt bottom, though they can be found in various habitats.
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