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Common carp are found in a variety of lakes, reservoirs, pits, ponds, rivers and streams in Nebraska. Carp populations can be high in some of those waters, and anglers can expect to catch lots of fish. On the other hand, some Nebraska waters offer fewer carp, but those fish can be trophies weighing well over 20 pounds. Regardless of number or size, carp are most active and most likely to be caught when the water is warm. In early spring anglers should "think warm." Areas where water temperatures can warm a few degrees on a sunny aernoon or aer a few nice days can attract a variety of fish in the spring, including carp. Look for carp in shallow water. Marshy areas are particularly good in early spring, but the back end of bays or shallow shoreline flats can attract fish, too. One easy way to find carp any time of year, particularly in spring, is to put on polarized sunglasses and look for them! Cast where you can see them roaming; those are fish that are searching for food. Carp Fishing in Nebraska By Daryl Bauer As the seasons progress, common carp will scatter throughout the waters they inhabit. During the summer, common carp can be caught at a variety of depths on a wide variety of baits, but anglers can still find carp by watching for signs of feeding fish. Look for wakes and disturbances on the surface of the water, roiled bottom substrates or the fish themselves. Although carp can inhabit deep water, anglers do not have to fish deep to catch them even during the warmest water of the year. Feeding carp will oen be found in relatively shallow water, usually less than 10 feet deep. Wind-swept shorelines are good places to find carp feeding on the bottom on a variety of aquatic insects or other food items. e very best spots tend to be shoreline points and pockets where the wind and shore currents tend to concentrate food and hungry carp. Anglers also should watch for carp gulping food items caught in surface currents. ose fish will be seen easily on the surface. In addition, from late spring through summer, anglers who pursue carp in pits and ponds s h o u l d pay special attention to any mulberry trees that hang over the water. Carp love to feed on mulberries! On Nebraska reservoirs, anglers can find carp roaming flats and shorelines. Some fly-anglers stalk and catch those fish just as they would bonefish in the Florida Keys. NGPC Fisheries Outreach Program Manager