Common Carp
Common Carp are an invasive species in Washington waters, first introduced to the United States in 1881 from Europe and Asia. These robust fish can grow to impressive sizes and are found throughout the state but are most abundant in eastern waters.
Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio carpio
- Can reach up to 47 inches in length and over 88 pounds in weight, though typical sizes range from 16-31 inches and 4.4-30.9 pounds.
- They're easily identified by their bronze-gold to golden yellow coloration, large scales, downward-turned mouth with two barbels on each side, and serrated spines on their dorsal and anal fins.
Fishing in Washington
Yakima River
Cedar River
Puyallup River
Snoqualmie River
East Passage
Cowlitz River
Naches River
Commencement Bay
Cle Elum River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found throughout the state but are most abundant in eastern waters, inhabiting lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with soft, vegetative sediments.
- They prefer large bodies of slow or standing water.
Key Locations
- Banks Lake, Moses Lake, Potholes Reservoir, Lake Washington, Green Lake, Vancouver Lake, Lacamas Lake, Lake Spokane, and numerous ponds throughout Grant, Franklin, Yakima, and other eastern counties.
Specific Spots
- Target shallow bays and areas with vegetation.
- During spawning, they are found in shallow vegetated areas.
Common Carp FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
When is the best time to fish for Common Carp in Washington?
They spawn when water temperatures reach 60-65°F, typically between mid-April and early July. Spring is optimal for carp fishing.
How do you catch Common Carp in Washington?
In lakes, fish with slack line, allowing bait to sink before creating 3-4 feet of slack. In streams, maintain tight line due to current. For fly fishing, practice sight casting, leading fish by 3-5 feet.
What do Common Carp eat?
Omnivorous bottom feeders with a diverse diet including aquatic insects, crustaceans (zooplankton and crawfish), molluscs, benthic worms, fish e.g.gs, aquatic plants, plant tubers, seeds, and detritus. They feed most intensively at night and around sunrise.
Where do Common Carp live in Washington?
Found throughout the state but are most abundant in eastern waters, inhabiting lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with soft, vegetative sediments. They prefer large bodies of slow or standing water.
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