Species

Common carp

A powerful peaceful fish with four barbels that roots around on the bottom for food and fights with huge strength.

Cyprinus carpio

Photo: Dezidor, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, adjusted to 3:2

Spawning: May to June, from around 18 to 20 °C water temperature (general guide, varies by region)
German Red List: not threatened
Typical method: Bottom fishing with a hair rig
Top bait: Boilies

Plan a day fishing for Common carp

How to recognise it

Two pairs of barbels on the upper lip, the front pair shorter
Long dorsal fin and a mouth it can push out like a tube
Farmed varieties: common (fully scaled), mirror, linear or leather carp

Easily confused with: Can be mistaken for crucian carp or Prussian carp; only the common carp has barbels on the upper lip.

How to catch it

Methods: Bottom fishing with a hair rig, Float fishing, Surface fishing with floating bread

Baits: Boilies, Sweetcorn, Lobworm, Potato

The warmer half of the year from around 8 °C water temperature, often at dusk and at night; in summer also at the surface.

Habitat and food

Warm, shallow, nutrient-rich waters such as ponds, gravel pits and calm river stretches. In winter it retreats to deeper areas.

Roots around for insect larvae, snails and worms; when young it eats zooplankton.

Size and age

Usually 35 to 90 cm, in single cases up to 120 cm and over 40 kg; record carp according to Wikipedia: 51.2 kg (Hungary, 2018). FishBase: maximum age 38 years.

Protection and rules

Conservation status: German Red List (freshwater fish 2023): not threatened. IUCN: not threatened (Least Concern, 2022).

Check the rules

Closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by each German state (and by each country abroad) and can be stricter on individual waters. We are building an overview with sources and check dates. Until then, check the local fishing regulations and the rules of the club or permit for your water.

In the kitchen

Many fine intermuscular bones, so it is often scored (cut into thin slices down to the skin); keep it in fresh water first so it does not taste muddy.

Sources (4)

Last checked 2026-10-10. Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].

Know more?

Additions, photos of your catches or a mistake in the text: write to us and we will gladly credit you as a helper.

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