PFBC Carp Index

Brian Wingard with a carp caught from Shawnee State Park and a carp passing through the Norristown fishway on the Schuylkill River in 2008

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. With all these massive fish swimming around right under your nose, maybe you would like to give carp fishing a try? Read on to learn how.

Feature articles from PA Angler & Boater magazine: