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Grass Carp

Grass Carp

Grass Carp are large, non-native herbivorous fish that have established populations in West Virginia waters. Originally from eastern Asia, these fish can live 20+ years and continue growing throughout their lives, making them prized trophy fish.

Scientific Name: Ctenopharyngodon idella

Physical Characteristics:
  • These olive-green, cigar-shaped fish can reach impressive sizes - the current West Virginia state record is 54.75 inches and 67.40 pounds, caught at Warden Lake in Hardy County.
  • They're distinguished by their mullet-shaped heads, terminal mouths without barbels, and coarse dark-edged scales.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In West Virginia, they inhabit lakes, ponds, and slower-moving river sections.

Key Locations

  • Warden Lake in Hardy County (known for trophy-sized fish), Mill Creek Reservoir in Amherst County, and various state park lakes and state-managed waters.

Specific Spots

  • Fish shallow areas near vegetation, margins with overhanging trees, and areas where they can access terrestrial food sources.

Grass Carp FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Traditional tackle works with bread (Wonder Bread is particularly effective), dough balls, corn, and various carp-specific baits. In winter, use high-attract single hookbaits.

What flies work for Grass Carp in West Virginia?

Effective fly patterns include leech imitations with foam bodies that sink slowly, small nymphs and buzzers, terrestrial patterns like cicada and mulberry flies, and crayfish imitations.

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

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) are best when water temperatures are between 50-70°F. Summer months can be productive early morning and evening, but avoid the spawning period in May-June. In winter, fish deeper, more stable water areas.

How do you catch Grass Carp in West Virginia?

For fly fishing: sight casting, look for tailing fish (feeding on bottom with tails visible), cruising fish showing flashing behavior, and fish actively feeding on surface insects.

What do Grass Carp eat?

Grass Carp are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation including hydrilla, elodea, bladderwort, coontail, najas, milfoil, and various pondweeds (chara and nitella). They prefer softer, pliable aquatic plants but will also consume terrestrial vegetation, insects, and invertebrates when available.

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