Date: 8/6/08
Contact: C. Douglas Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

CARP FISHING LAS VEGAS STYLE

After decades with the moniker of “trash fish,” the common carp may never be classified as a game fish here in the United States, but its growing popularity among American anglers has people heading to lakes and ponds in search these hard-fighting fish that often reach 20 pounds or more.

Carp are “the” game fish among European anglers who often make their way to Las Vegas for the express purpose of fishing for Lake Mead’s monster carp. One group of anglers from the United Kingdom even conduct an annual carp tournament and would rather catch carp than the much sought after striped bass. The current Lake Mead record is a 25-pound, 12-ounce fish that was caught by John Hunt of England in 2003. The fish are also popular in Asia.

“These are superior fighting fish that will rip into your backing when fly fishing. They are very fun to catch,” said Chris Vasey, an angler educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

In addition to Lake Mead, carp also are found in Lake Mohave, the Colorado River and some of the Las Vegas area urban ponds. Carp feed by stirring up the bottom and looking for aquatic insects and crayfish. When anglers see small bubbles coming up from the bottom in random sequence, chances are there are carp feeding in the area. Carp will also slurp small insects of cottonwood seeds from the surface.

Carp are usually not picky about what they eat. Yet, they can be very shy when they are away from the docks. Bait options when fishing for carp include bread, corn, popcorn, and other various homemade ingredients. For flies, Vasey suggests damsel fly patterns, nymphs, midges and woolly buggers with a dry fly CDC or parachute Adams on top as an indicator. Members of the Las Vegas Fly Fishing Club suggest the Cheeto Fly.

When fishing for carp anglers should look for feeding behavior around structure or near ducks and geese. They should also approach carp with little movement as this wary fish spooks quite easily. When sight fishing, it’s important that fishermen cast far enough ahead of the fish that the bait won’t surprise or startle the fish. Anglers should quickly set the hook at the slightest indication that a carp has taken their bait. This can be any unexpected movement in the line, bobber or strike indicator. If the carp feels the resistance of the line or the hook, it will spit out the hook as soon as it sucked it in and will shoot away from the area alarming other fish in the vicinity.

“Stalking and sight fishing in two to three feet of water is very tricky but can be rewarding.” Vasey said.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.