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Grass Carp

Grass Carp

Grass Carp are large herbivorous fish native to eastern Asia that were introduced to Utah for aquatic vegetation control.

In Utah, Grass Carp are primarily found as sterile triploid fish stocked for vegetation management rather than establishing wild populations.

Scientific Name: Ctenopharyngodon idella

Also known as white amur

Physical Characteristics:
  • Olive-green, cigar-shaped fish that can grow to 150 cm in length, weigh up to 45 kg, and live over 30 years.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit various water bodies including lakes, ponds, and rivers, tolerating temperatures from 0-38°C and can survive in brackish water up to 10-12 ppt salinity.

Key Locations

  • Various reservoirs and ponds where they've been stocked for vegetation control, including locations like Calder Reservoir where sterile grass carp were stocked in 2020-2025.
  • Grass Carp larvae were documented in the Colorado River arm of Lake Powell in 2015 and 2016, providing evidence of spawning populations in western Utah waters.

Specific Spots

  • Look for fish feeding in shallow areas, tailing in vegetation, or cruising near shorelines where natural vegetation falls into the water.

Grass Carp FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Grass Carp in Utah?

Corn, bread, dough balls, cherry tomatoes, berries, and watermelon. Use just enough bait to cover the hook.

What flies work for Grass Carp in Utah?

Anything 'buggy' looking in bright colors or hairy textures - specific patterns aren't as critical as presentation.

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

The best fishing occurs during warmer months when water temperatures reach 20-28°C, typically late spring through early fall. During spawning season (late spring to early summer, May-July), these fish should be left undisturbed.

How do you catch Grass Carp in Utah?

Cast gently ahead of moving fish and allow flies to sink slowly through the water column or suspend just beneath the surface. The 'drop' technique is particularly effective - drop flies in front of fish to trigger strikes, using weighted flies or split shot to achieve proper depth.

What do Grass Carp eat?

These fish are strict herbivores that feed primarily on aquatic plants including pondweed, chara, hydrilla, duckweed, and watermeal. They prefer softer, pliable aquatic vegetation and will consume filamentous algae when preferred plants aren't available.

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