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Common Carp

Common Carp

Common Carp are a widely distributed non-native species in New York, present in the state since 1830 and found in lowland areas of all 18 watersheds, though absent from higher elevation lakes.

These large members of the minnow family are extremely adaptable and can tolerate degraded conditions.

Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio

Physical Characteristics:
  • Easily identified by their bronze-colored scales with dark spots, two barbels (whiskers) on each side of their mouth, deep red fins, and a distinctive saw-toothed dorsal spine.
  • In New York waters, carp typically average 5-10 pounds with some reaching 15-20 pounds, though the state record is an impressive 50.25-pound fish caught at Tomhannock Reservoir in 1995.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in lowland areas of all 18 watersheds, though absent from higher elevation lakes.
  • Found throughout the Great Lakes system, major rivers like the Hudson, and numerous reservoirs and lakes across all regions.

Key Locations

  • In New York's Region 3 (southeastern), productive waters include the Hudson River, Ashokan Reservoir, New Croton Reservoir, Wappinger Lake, and Rockland Lake.
  • Statewide, focus on the Great Lakes shorelines, major river systems, and lowland lakes and reservoirs.
  • Found throughout the Great Lakes system, major rivers like the Hudson, and numerous reservoirs and lakes across all regions.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow areas with muddy bottoms near vegetation, look for mud trails and surface activity like rolling or bubbling.

Common Carp FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Common Carp in New York?

Crayfish imitations, small nymphs, scuds, and terrestrial patterns. Prime fly patterns include Hybrid carp flies, Backstabber, PC Goby patterns, and small weighted streamers. Surface fishing works well with dry flies imitating mulberries, cottonwood seeds, or cicadas.

When is the best time to fish for Common Carp in New York?

Peak carp fishing occurs from late spring through early fall. Winter fishing requires patience with high-protein baits in deeper water, while spring offers excellent shallow water opportunities as fish become more active. Avoid fishing during spawning period in late May to early June.

How do you catch Common Carp in New York?

Fly fishing requires specialized techniques including sight-fishing, 'the claw' (dropping flies directly in front of tailing fish), drag-drop-and-lay technique, and 'the drop' as a trigger method. Surface fishing works well.

What do Common Carp eat?

Omnivorous bottom feeders with a diverse diet including small benthic animals like snails, annelids, midge larvae, crustaceans, zebra mussels, zooplankton, aquatic invertebrates, and filamentous algae. Surface feeding occurs on cottonwood seeds, cattail seeds, mulberries, and various terrestrial insects.

Where do Common Carp live in New York?

Found in lowland areas of all 18 watersheds, though absent from higher elevation lakes. Found throughout the Great Lakes system, major rivers like the Hudson, and numerous reservoirs and lakes across all regions.

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