New York State is home to some of the best carp fishing in the country. The state offers a wide variety of carp (fisheries, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.
Most of the carp in New York are wild, though some stocked waters offer good fishing too. Carp can be caught using a variety of techniques, including bait fishing, fly fishing, and lure casting. The best time to fish for carp is typically during the spring and early summer months when the water temperatures warm up and the carp start spawning.
Carp fishing in NY can be quite rewarding and provide anglers with a unique opportunity to catch some of these hard-fighting fish. So, if you’re looking for an exciting new fishing experience, give carp fishing a try! You won’t regret it!
Carp can be identified by:
To identify carp, look for these distinctive features and also pay attention to their location. Common Carp are usually found in deeper waters near the bottom where they feed on aquatic vegetation, algae, and insects. Look for these fish in slower-moving rivers and lakes with plenty of weedy or muddy bottoms.
The Grass Carp, which was originally from the rivers of eastern China and the Soviet Union, has a unique ability to control many different types of aquatic plants. This resulted in it being introduced into over 50 countries worldwide.
Although grass carp are in the same family as common carp and goldfish, they don’t look or eat like them.
Grass carp don’t have the whiskers or spiny fins that goldfish and common carps do, looking more similar to a large creek chub or common shiner. They Have:
As opposed to common carp and goldfish that root around for food at the bottom of their habitats, grass carp only eat aquatic vegetation that they graze on near the surface.
Fish populations of grass carp are monitored heavily by the DEC. Their ongoing grass carp fisheries management keep this fish species form becoming an invasive fish in the Great Lakes and beyond.
Fertile (diploid) grass carp are widespread overseas, but the majority of US states currently ban the fish. If these uncontrolled, reproducing populations become established, they could potentially damage sensitive aquatic habitats. New York State prohibits the use of diploid grass carp.
Invasive carp species, such as Asian Silver and Bighead Carp, have been found in New York State waters. These non-native species can outcompete native fishes for food and habitat, resulting in an ecological imbalance. Invasive carp are also known to displace native species, reduce the abundance of native vegetation and fish, alter water chemistry, and disrupt the food web.
It is illegal to intentionally introduce or spread any non-native fish in New York State waters. Anglers should take precautions when releasing fish, and not release baitfish in areas where they are prohibited.
Managing invasive carp is an ongoing aquatic conservation effort in NYS.
The ideal habitat for Common Carp in New York State includes slow-moving water with a temperature range between 65°F and 70°F. The depth of the water should be anywhere from 3 to 8 feet, depending on the season.
Wild common carp can also be found in rivers, lakes, ponds, as well as reservoirs that contain plenty of aquatic vegetation and structure such as rocks, logs, weed beds, and other debris. They often congregate in areas with some type of cover or structure to hide from predators.
The presence of algae also attracts them as food sources. As the water warms during the summer months, carp may move into shallow waters to feed on insects, larvae, and other small organisms. During the cooler winter months, they will move deeper into the water to remain active.
Carp can be found in areas with healthy populations of bottom-dwelling fish such as sunfish, bass, and catfish. Carp are also known to spawn during the spring months when water temperatures reach 63-78°F, so look for areas that may have beds of carp eggs in shallow waters.
The ideal habitat for Grass Carp in New York State includes slow-moving water with a temperature range between 68°F and 86°F. Grass carp prefer quiet bodies of water such as large ponds or lakes, but can also be found in rivers, reservoirs and slow-moving streams.
Grass carp do best in an environment with plenty of aquatic vegetation or macrophytes for them to graze on near the surface. They also need some type of cover or structure for shelter from predators like large bass, catfish and northern pike. Look for areas that offer a combination of shallow and deep water, as well as plenty of vegetation and structure.
Common carp are prolific spawners, releasing adhesive eggs multiple times throughout the year. Spawning typically occurs during spring and early summer when the water temperature reaches 63-78°F. Carp can spawn in cooler temperatures if there is enough food and cover available.
The spawning process involves female carp releasing thousands of sticky eggs that attach to submerged weeds, grasses, or other substrates. The males then fertilize the eggs externally. Once hatched, carp fry live off their yolk sac until they can swim freely and feed on small organisms in the water.
It’s important to note that only sterile (triploid) grass carp can be stocked legally, and populations of wild grass carp should be a cause for concern.
Common carp are omnivorous and will feed on a variety of organisms including plankton, insects, larvae, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, fish eggs, small fish, and aquatic vegetation. As the water warms during the summer months, carp will move to deeper waters and feed on small organisms such as insect larvae and crustaceans.
Grass carp are herbivores that primarily feed on aquatic vegetation including submerged grasses, coontail, duckweed, and watermilfoil. They are also known to consume algae off of rocks in shallow waters. Grass carp are usually found in quiet bodies of water such as large ponds or lakes, where there is plenty of aquatic vegetation for them to graze on near the surface.
In New York State, both common carp and grass carp are important parts of the food web. They provide a food source for larger predators such as bass, catfish, and northern pike. They also help to maintain the balance of aquatic vegetation in the water, by controlling nuisance species and improving water quality.
Reels: If you’re fly fishing for carp in New York State waters, it’s advisable to use a reel that can manage the weight of a hefty carp. Find reels with an adjustable drag system and enough line capacity. It’s not unusual for a Carp to take 3 or more runs into the backing, so make sure your knot is both strong and durable.
Rods: Most anglers will use a 7-8 weight rod that is nine feet long. If the carp are larger, around 20 pounds, then an 8-10 weight rod will give the angler more power to control the fish.
Lines: Carp can be picky when it comes to the type of line they will bite, so it’s important to use a quality line that won’t spook the fish. A floating line is best for fly fishing for carp in New York State waters.
Popular Fly Patterns: Popular patterns include nymphs, leech patterns, and streamers. Try using different colors and sizes of flies to find out which ones work best in your area.
Techniques: When fly fishing for carp, it’s important to focus on the fish’s behavior and movements. Pay attention to where they are in the water column and what kind of food they are eating, as this will help you determine which type of flies to use.
Locating Carp: Look for areas with submerged weeds and structure, as these areas often attract carp. Also, watch for carp jumping or rolling near the surface, as they are likely feeding.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations for fishing for carp in public waters, carp may be taken by any means, including a longbow from May 15th – September 30th from any water where fishing is allowed.
A person must have either a fishing license, or a hunting license, or be entitled to fish without a license to take carp with a longbow.
There are no daily limits or size restrictions for the number of carp an angler can take.
While carp are used as food fish in many parts of the world, it is not recommended by the DEC that residents use carp as a food fish – let it remain the exciting sport fish that many anglers have come to enjoy targeting.
Carp may not be used for bait. Additionally, carp from certain waterways should not be eaten due to potential exposure to contaminants. It is important to follow all NY DEC regulations when fishing for carp in New York State waters.
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