Silver Carp "on the Fly"

Better hold on to your hat or wear a helmet! Silver Carp, an introduced Asian species, have invaded the Mississippi River system and have now reached the Illinois River. They can attain weights of 60 lbs, but are more commonly seen in the 10-20 lb range. These fish are seriously spooked by motorboats and will jump 6 to 8 feet out of water, sometimes injuring boaters.

Asian Carp feed exclusively on plankton and other micro-nutrients by filtering surface water, and are very difficult to catch on rod and reel. Rising to meet the challenge, however, some innovative Americans have come up with another extreme sport. It gives a whole new meaning to taking fish "on the fly".



Photo by Jason L. Jenkins, University of Missouri.