Common Carp

Biological Profile & Regional Guide

Table Fare: Fair

Pennsylvania (PFBC)

Adult (Weight): 14 lb 0 oz
Junior (Weight): 11 lb 8 oz
Catch & Release: 28 in

State Record: 52 lb 0 oz

📍 Juniata River (1962)

New York (NYSDEC)

Angler Award: 34 in
(Minimum Length Requirement)

State Record: 50 lb 6 oz

📍 Tomhannock Reservoir (1954)

Heavy-bodied, bronze to gold with large scales. Two small barbels on each side of the upper jaw.

20-35 inches, 10-30+ lbs.

Warm, shallow, slow-moving waters. Highly tolerant of poor water quality.

Omnivorous. Aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, seeds.

Movement: Bottom rooter. Often seen tailing in the shallows, stirring up mud.

Spawning: Late spring/summer in shallow, weedy areas. Spawning involves noisy splashing.

Lifespan: 20-40+ years

Fighting Behavior: Spooky and cautious biters. Require stealth and hair-rig presentations.

Recommended Tactics: Chumming areas to attract schools, fishing bottom rigs with sensitive strike indicators.

Best Baits/Lures: Sweet corn, boilies, dough balls.

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