Grass carp Fishing

Grass carp are stocked every year in Hungary and double-figure fish are routine in the lakes. They prefer plant food: sweetcorn, cut reed shoots, fresh corn cob, a bundle of grass. Most feeding happens in the top metre along reed edges and among lilies, so surface bread crust or plant bait under a small float is the most effective approach. They are extremely spooky: approach quietly, use 0.30-0.35 mm fluorocarbon and one large strong hook. They turn aggressive above 18 °C and barely feed below 12 °C.

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Photo: Dezidor · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
MayJunJulAugSepOct
Nov
Dec

Active period

Season
May–October
Water temperature
16–30 °C
Behaviour
Warm water, bottom feeder

Techniques

  • Bottom rig
  • feeder
  • surface bait

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch grass carp?
The productive window for grass carp runs May–October.
What water temperature does grass carp feed in?
Grass carp is most active between 16 and 30 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for grass carp?
Common methods: Bottom rig, feeder, surface bait.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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