Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/605487
As waters cool in the fall, common carp will again frequent areas where the water warms in the aernoon. Fish in bays and sun-exposed shorelines until waters become cold and carp head for deeper water to spend the winter. On rivers and streams, carp are usually found in or near deep, slack- water holes during cold-water periods. As waters warm, fish disperse and move into tributaries and connected waters. During flood events carp will head for the shallows and thrive in flooded terrestrial habitats. In flowing waters, carp tend to feed away from the strongest currents and prefer slack water, but you may find them at current seams just outside of the main flow. Common carp are not oen caught during the winter. However, at times, especially on rivers and streams, anglers can locate carp aggregating in holes in late fall/early winter and again in early spring and can catch some of those fish. Carp fishing during the heart of the winter tends to be unproductive, but at times, especially as ice-out nears, carp can be caught through the ice. Ice- anglers targeting panfish or larger game fish occasionally incidentally catch carp through the ice, but few anglers target carp while ice-fishing. On a daily basis, carp are oen active during the middle of the day. Yet anglers will find some of the best fishing early and late in the day, especially during summer months. Likewise, anytime the wind blows carp feeding activity can pick up, even during midday. When water temperatures are cool in early spring and fall, aernoon and early evening will tend to produce the most carp feeding activity. Why Carp? Say "carp" to many fishermen, and they'll turn up their noses and walk away. But, these hardy fish are gallant fighters and make mighty good eating besides. ey battle as well or better than many of the more sought-aer game fish. When properly prepared, they taste a good deal better than some so-called game species. Still, because of his hardiness, his general disdain for artificial lures, and his ability to outcompete game fishes, the carp ranks low on the angler's preferred list. Even so, some folks will take the carp over any of his esteemed cousins. Fishing for carp offers thrills, action, and meat when other fish refuse to bite. Carp are oen willing takers at midday at such places as Gavins Point, when other species play hard to get. Carp inhabit almost every stream and weed-free lake in Nebraska and, in most cases are here to stay. Consequently they can provide many hours of pleasure for anglers, archers, and spearmen, while requiring little more than a few miles drive from the house.