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Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

A big, hard-pulling bottom feeder found almost everywhere.

Common Carp
Illustration: Duane Raver / USFWS (public domain)
01 · At a glance

Typical Size & Weight

Length
12–25 in
Weight
1–8 lb

Source

Active Seasons

Spawns mostly from March to June, sometimes into early fall. MDC

02

Habitat & Distribution

Water types

  • Large streams and big rivers Source
  • Natural lakes and impoundments Source

Structure & cover

  • Deeper pools (adults in streams) Source
  • Very shallow water at feeding time (late evening, early morning) Source

Highly adaptable; least common in clear, fast Ozark streams. Source

Basic info

  • Heavy-bodied and brassy olive, with dark-edged scales and two barbels on each side of the upper jaw. Source
  • Native to Asia; established across the U.S. (nonnative). Source
03

Feeding Habits

  • Omnivore — aquatic insects are its most important food; feeds mostly on the bottom. Source
04

Recommended Tactics & Lures

  • Dough balls, whole kernel corn and worms. Source

Seasons and rules vary by state. Always check your state's current fishing regulations on our Fishing by State page. Last checked: Oct 30, 2026.

🏆 Trophy fact: One common carp caught in Missouri weighed 47 pounds. Source