Grass Carp
A large, plant-eating carp introduced from Asia and stocked — almost always as sterile ('triploid') fish — for aquatic weed control rather than sport.
- Scientific name
- Ctenopharyngodon idella
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Adult size
- Can exceed 30 inches; grows large in productive waters.
Identification
Elongated, torpedo-shaped body, large scales with dark edges, and a short dorsal fin.
Habitat
Lakes and ponds with heavy submerged vegetation.
Diet
Almost exclusively aquatic plants; a single adult can consume a large share of its body weight in vegetation daily.
Angling
Occasionally targeted by anglers but stocked primarily as a vegetation-management tool, not a sport fishery.
Conservation
Regulated as a potentially invasive species; most state-permitted stockings use sterile triploid fish to prevent reproduction.
Recommended Tackle & Gear for Grass Carp
Field-tested tackle, baits, and rigging strategies suited for catching Grass Carp.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Where Grass Carp is stocked
When Grass Carp is stocked
Top Grass Carp waters
Sandy Community Fishery
SALT LAKE County · 9 species · 374 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pioneer Park P
BOX ELDER County · 10 species · 349 records
Last stocked June 2026
Sunset Pond
SALT LAKE County · 6 species · 265 records
Last stocked May 2026
Columbia Park Pond
Benton County · 11 species · 261 records
Last stocked May 2026
Matt Warner Reservoir
UINTAH County · 7 species · 155 records
Last stocked May 2026
Calder Reservoir
UINTAH County · 6 species · 144 records
Last stocked June 2025
Bullock Reservoir
UINTAH County · 11 species · 138 records
Last stocked April 2026
Crouse Reservoir
5 species · 107 records
Last stocked October 2024
Little Montes River
7 species · 78 records
Last stocked November 2024
Old Fort Pond North
UINTAH County · 10 species · 49 records
Last stocked April 2026
Old Fort Pond South
UINTAH County · 6 species · 26 records
Last stocked June 2025
Little Montes Reservoir
UINTAH County · 2 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2026
Browns's Pond
1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 2020
Frequently asked
Where is Grass Carp stocked?
Grass Carp is stocked in 13 waters across 2 states: Utah, Washington.
When is Grass Carp stocked?
Grass Carp is typically stocked in spring, most often in May, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many Grass Carp are stocked?
About 402,916,850,100 Grass Carp have been stocked on record since 1999, across Utah, Washington.
What size Grass Carp are stocked?
Stocked Grass Carp average about 7.8 inches, based on sizes reported by Utah — not every state reports sizes.
What does a Grass Carp look like?
Elongated, torpedo-shaped body, large scales with dark edges, and a short dorsal fin.