Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/606672
Identifying characteristics: ● Streamlined body. ● No spines on fi ns. ● Very small scales. ● Similar to catfi sh, trout have an adipose fi n on their backs. ● Olive colored on back with small black spots, white belly with pinkish stripe along sides. Interesting facts: ● Native to the Pacifi c coast of the United States and inland to the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. ● Stocked seasonally in warm water ponds by Game and Parks for fi shing opportunities. ● Require silt free stream bed for successful spawning. ● Females dig shallow pits to lay their eggs and then cover the eggs with gravel. ● No parental care. Fishing tips: Still fi sh with a worm under a bobber or slow retrieve of small plugs, spoons, jigs or spinners. RAINBOW TROUT (continued) COMMON CARP (nuisance species in some waters) DO NOT TRANSPORT TO OTHER WATER BODIES Scientifi c name: Cyprinus carpio From the Greek, cyprinus and Latin, carpio – both meaning "carp." Average size: 12-24 inches, but can get quite large. A master angler is 32 inches or 15 pounds. The Nebraska state record is 50 pounds, 5 ounces. Habitat: present in most aquatic habitats where they have been introduced, most abundant in shallow areas of reservoirs. Diet: Feeds primarily from the bottom on invertebrates (insects, worms, crustaceans), plant materials and other organic matter. Activity: Active throughout the day, but most active in evening and morning hours. Identifying characteristics: ● Large bodied. ● Large scales, sometimes in an irregular pattern. ● Thick, saw-toothed spine at front of dorsal and anal fi ns. ● Small mouth with fl eshy lips and a small barbel on either side of mouth. ● Golden/bronze color. Interesting facts: ● In the minnow family. ● Native to Asia, introduced in Europe and the United States as a game fi sh. ● The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission was originally instituted as a fi sh hatchery to raise and stock common carp as a food resource. ● Highly adaptable species that is widespread and abundant throughout the United States. Are often found in loose aggregations, but do not school. ● In warm, productive (high-nutrient) waters, carp grow quickly. ● Aggressive feeders that uproot aquatic vegetation and stir up sediment. Feeding habits can increase turbidity of the water and destroy vegetation to a degree that habitat becomes unsuitable for sight feeding fi sh like largemouth bass and for invertebrate seeking fi sh like bluegill. ● Can become a nuisance species in small impoundments by destroying habitat for other fi sh. ● Spawn in late-spring, early-summer. ● Do not nest or provide parental care; eggs are broadcast at random in shallow water. ● Mirror carp are the same species with a genetic mutation that causes scales to grow irregularly. Fishing tips: Fish canned corn kernels or doughbait on the bottom with a slack line. FISH SPECIES ARTWORK BY JOSEPH TOMELLERI 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 CHAPTER 5 ● IDENTIFICATION AND LIFE HISTORY