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Grass Carp

Grass Carp

Grass Carp are large cyprinid fish native to eastern Asia that have established invasive populations in Tennessee waters. These herbivorous fish are intelligent and extremely wary, spoking easily from vibrations, shadows, and sudden movements.

Scientific Name: Ctenopharyngodon idella

Also known as White Amur

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their elongated, laterally compressed bodies with large, dark-edged cycloid scales giving a cross-hatched appearance, complete lateral line, blunt scaleless head, and terminal mouth without teeth or barbels.
  • They can reach impressive sizes exceeding 80 pounds and lengths up to 150 cm.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Established in Tennessee waters, having migrated from the Mississippi River via locks at Kentucky and Barkley dams.

Key Locations

  • Lower reservoirs of the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, most abundant in Kentucky Reservoir with emerging populations in Pickwick Reservoir, documented as far upstream as Chickamauga Reservoir.
  • Fort Loudoun Lake has provided excellent carp fishing opportunities.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with current seams, shallow bays with vegetation, spots where natural food sources accumulate, shallow weedy areas to deeper main channels, often moving to shallow water during warmer periods and retreating to deeper areas at night, areas around floating vegetation or areas where natural food sources like mulberries or cottonwood seeds fall into the water.

Grass Carp FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Grass Carp in Tennessee?

Small leeches with foam bodies that sink slowly, bright poppers, light cahill patterns (resembling cottonwood seeds), and any 'buggy' looking patterns with hair or bright colors.

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

Spring through fall, particularly early morning and late evening. Spring: target shallow areas where carp cruise looking for warming water and emerging vegetation. Summer: excellent opportunities for sight-fishing in shallow water. Fall: fish feed heavily before winter.

How do you catch Grass Carp in Tennessee?

Sight-fishing, approach slowly and quietly, staying at least 15 feet away to avoid spooking fish. Cast 3-5 feet ahead of cruising fish with gentle presentations - avoid false casting over fish or letting fly line slap the water.

What do Grass Carp eat?

Strict herbivores that feed almost exclusively on aquatic vegetation including pondweed, chara, hydrilla, and duckweed, though they will consume filamentous algae when preferred vegetation is scarce.

Where do Grass Carp live in Tennessee?

Established in Tennessee waters, having migrated from the Mississippi River via locks at Kentucky and Barkley dams.

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