Common Carp ⚠ Invasive
Powerful, underrated sport fish reaching 30+ lbs in Michigan. Increasingly popular with bow fishing and European-style hair rig angling. Gives a run unlike anything.
Where to Catch Common Carp in Michigan
| Lake | County | Population |
|---|---|---|
| AuGres | Arenac | |
| Bad River | Saginaw | |
| Belleville Lake | Wayne | |
| C. S. Mott Lake | Genesee | |
|
Cass Lake
1,280 acres
|
Oakland | |
| Cass River | Saginaw | |
| Cass River | Tuscola | |
| Clinton River (above Yates Dam) | Oakland | |
| Clinton River (below Yates Dam) | Macomb | |
| Flint River | Genesee | |
| Holloway Reservoir | Genesee | |
|
Houghton Lake
20,044 acres
|
Roscommon | |
| Kearsley Reservoir | Genesee | |
|
Lake Cadillac
1,141 acres
|
Wexford | |
|
Lake Columbia
821 acres
|
Jackson | |
|
Lake Fenton
937 acres
|
Genesee | |
| Lake George | Ogemaw | |
|
Lake Mitchell
2,580 acres
|
Wexford | |
|
Lake St. Clair
260,000 acres
|
Macomb | |
| Littlefield | Isabella |
Common Carp Conservation Status
Common Carp Habitat & Behavior
Best Common Carp Techniques
Best Common Carp Baits
Common Carp Fishing Regulations in Michigan
No bag or size limits. Bow fishing for carp is popular and legal in Michigan.
Michigan DNR Common Carp Stocking Records
Estimated Mature Common Carp, October
Based on DNR stocking records from 2021–2023 (3–5 years ago), these 0 lakes likely hold mature Common Carp at or near 15" keeper size today.
No DNR stocking records found for Common Carp between 2021 and 2023.
This species may not have been stocked in Michigan during that window.
Estimates based on average stocking-size survival rates. Actual populations vary by habitat, fishing pressure, and lake conditions. Data sourced from Michigan DNR.