Silver Carp

Body Type & Identification: A large Asian invasive carp similar to Bighead Carp but with eyes positioned lower on the face and a more uniform silver coloring without dark splotches. Most infamous for the spectacular behavior of leaping 8–10 feet out of the water when startled by boat motors — a significant safety hazard for boaters. Can reach 60+ lbs. A major ecological threat to Midwest waterways.

Preferred Water Temperature: 65°F–82°F. A warm-water filter feeder established throughout the Mississippi River system. Spreading rapidly northward and poses a major threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem if it establishes there — massive prevention efforts are underway at the Chicago area waterway connection.

Habitat: Large rivers and reservoirs of the Mississippi, Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio River systems. Expanding range threatens the Great Lakes. Commercial harvesting and bowfishing are encouraged as management tools. The spectacular leaping behavior when boats approach is both a hazard and a unique fishing experience.

Best Lures: Cannot be caught on traditional lures. Bowfishing is the most effective sporting harvest method.

Best Baits: Filter feeders — cannot be caught on traditional baits. Bowfishing while boating through schools (when they leap) is an exciting and effective harvest method. Commercial seining and electrofishing are used for large-scale removal. Check state regulations for legal harvest methods.

Top 5 Destinations: Illinois River IL, Mississippi River, Missouri River, Wabash River IN/IL — bowfishing tournaments targeting invasive carp are growing throughout the Midwest.

A large Asian invasive carp similar to Bighead Carp but with eyes positioned lower on the face and a more uniform silver coloring without dark splotches. Most infamous for the spectacular behavior of leaping 8–10 feet out of the water when startled by boat motors — a significant safety hazard for boaters. Can reach 60+ lbs. A major ecological threat to Midwest waterways.

Large rivers and reservoirs of the Mississippi, Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio River systems. Expanding range threatens the Great Lakes. Commercial harvesting and bowfishing are encouraged as management tools. The spectacular leaping behavior when boats approach is both a hazard and a unique fishing experience.

65°F–82°F. A warm-water filter feeder established throughout the Mississippi River system. Spreading rapidly northward and poses a major threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem if it establishes there — massive prevention efforts are underway at the Chicago area waterway connection.

Best Lures: Cannot be caught on traditional lures. Bowfishing is the most effective sporting harvest method. Best Baits: Filter feeders — cannot be caught on traditional baits. Bowfishing while boating through schools (when they leap) is an exciting and effective harvest method. Commercial seining and electrofishing are used for large-scale removal. Check state regulations for legal harvest methods.

Illinois River IL, Mississippi River, Missouri River, Wabash River IN/IL — bowfishing tournaments targeting invasive carp are growing throughout the Midwest.