All About Carp
The common carp, Cyprinus carpio, is a large omnivorous species that can be found in most Pennsylvania waters. Carp are members of the minnow family, with large golden scales. In most waters 10 pound fish could be considered small, and captures exceeding 20 pounds are not uncommon. Native to Asia, and spread throughout Europe by the Romans, carp were first stocked as a food fish in the U.S. in the late 1870s by the newly created Fish Commission. They were then spread by state governments to most U.S. watersheds in an effort to take pressure away from native fishes. Over the years, carp fell out of favor as food and became less popular in U.S. sport fishing.
However, in many other countries carp fishing evolved into a sport with as much popularity as bass fishing has here in the states. In the last few years carp fishing is making a comeback in the U.S., there is even a growing carp tournament scene. But unlike largemouth bass, huge carp can be found in almost every state.
Species overview, identification, habitat and life history from the Pennsylvania Fishes Reference Book
Interactive Maps
Find fishing waters by using one or more of our interactive maps:
- Best Fishing Waters - Common Carp
- Warmwater/Coolwater Fisheries for waters known to have carp
- Biologist Reports for reports on waters surveyed by Commission biologists
- County Guide for access points
