Cyprinus carpio

How to identify a Common Carp

Common Carp are found in lakes, rivers and reservoirs with cover (weeds, wood, rock). Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Lakes, rivers and reservoirs with cover (weeds, wood, rock)

Where to catch Common Carp

• Great Lakes harbors
• UK + EU canals/rivers
• Missouri River backwaters
• Urban ponds (US)

Common Carp by state

State season calendars that list Common Carp — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• Illinois — seasons, best months and licence info
• Indiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Iowa — seasons, best months and licence info
• Kansas — seasons, best months and licence info
• Michigan — seasons, best months and licence info
• Minnesota — seasons, best months and licence info
• Missouri — seasons, best months and licence info
• Montana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Nebraska — seasons, best months and licence info
• New York — seasons, best months and licence info
• North Dakota — seasons, best months and licence info
• Ohio — seasons, best months and licence info

Plus 3 more — all 50 state calendars.

Baits and lures

Jigs · spinners · soft plastics · live bait

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with Common Carp:

• Grass Carp — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Siamese Carp — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Ziege (Sabre Carp) — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Common Shiner — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Convict Cichlid — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Creek Chub — identification & profile (Freshwater)