How many of you have noticed a problem with Carp at Silverwood ? If you have seen them, what part of the lake have you noticed them most ? Because Carp destroy the life cucle habits of various game fish, I just wanted to let you know I've seen too many Carp up there to make me believe the lake will produce quality L.M. Bass fishing. Do you know of any studies, or attempts to get rid of the Carp population ? Maybe we all shou;d write to the state people to demand action. If you have ever experienced the down turn of a lake because of Carp activity, you wouldn't take these comments litely. Today it's Silverwood. . . tommorow it's your lake.

Rich

Has seen them at the north east end frequently. If you catch one, don't ever put them back in the lake.

Can you point at a source for the data that says carp ruin a fishery? I know carp have been a native species and imported species for years. Carps do run bass off their nesting areas occasionally but I think this is balanced by their value as a food source while small to bass. They also serve an important function as a bottom feeder to help clean the actual water supply. I am certainly not an expert but I would like to read some references by fish bioligist and other habitat experts who can give me some information. I would definately want this information before writing the govenor or my congressman. I simply don't know enough about the facts at this point to form an opinion on it. It was once commonly believed that bass and trout would not thrive together in a lake. (well maybe true if your the little trout vice the big bass)

Your comments sound strangely like a hidden agenda - motivationally progressive, if you will. Can't readily point you to studies. You might do a search on your own and tell us what you came up with. I only know what I've seen happen first hand. You touched on a big part of the problem when you indicated that Carp will chase Bass off their beds. Carp eat Bass eggs ! If Carp are wrongfully introduced, and /or left unchecked, the reproduction of bass fry doesn't make it beyond the egg stage. . .ergo. . . no, or greatly reduced future Bass fishery. I don't know that I need to know any more than that fact.

Take care.

Rich

I am sure Noluk has a hidden agenda!! I heard that he has been conspiring with some of the local Sasquatch in the San Bernadino mountains to populate Silverwood with carp while getting rid of the bass that we all know are allergic to Bigfoots (bigfeet?). Carp don't eat bass eggs. They can bury eggs on a nest while rooting for food, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

Has bass fishing been on the decline at Silverwood??????

Last I heard, fishing was great there. For largemouh and stripers. So are the carp really a problem???????

Yes they are a problem,they make that awful "THUD" sound on your hull as you run over them.

There are alot of them but no more than other lakes.They have just been real shallow lately and close to the surface so you can see them,especially the big fat bloated bright orange ones.

No, the carp are not a problem, but they are targets ! TD Minnows and Lucky Craft minnows right over their backs ! That's what I do. It also helps your casting practice too. Look at them as an oppurtunity. The studies have been done, they do not eat bass eggs off the nest. What causes them to be in the same area as bass at that time of the year is the fact that they are also spawning. They prefer shallow water as do the bass and they swim in groups doing the spawning ritual. They get very aggressive when doing this. The fact that carp are smarter and can survive most conditions is the reason why they always tend to have higher numbers in most bodies of water. That and no one fishes for them is why they number so high and populate so quickly.

Interesting subject. Here is a link to a comprehensive study on the topic of carp and their impact upon lakes and native fish species.

http://www.hort.agri.umn.edu/h5015/00papers/baldry.htm

Short version is that carp are bad for a fishery because they uproot plant life and decrease water clarity. Longer version is that in 100 years of trying, noone has come up with a way to control them yet. Alot of the research was very interesting. Grass carp are used in certain areas to control aquatic growth, however they suggest only using sterile carp for it because carp can grow so large and breed so quickly. It would appear that the only places that had successful carp population control were areas where carp are regularly targeted for harvest by fisherman. (Europe and parts of Asia)
It would appear the single most effective thing we can do as fisherman, is fish. For carp. Not very glamorous but they do put up an awesome fight. I could not find any recent history of any efforts being made in California for control of carp populations. I suspect the danger posed by carp to our fisheries are of a much lower priority than the lowered water levels and increased toxin levels. Maybe we can put all the comorants into a 12 step program to transistion their diet from trout and bass to carp.
And finally, no hidden agendas and motivations, just not going to make a public statement until some research has been done. That is part of my getting a paycheck from a library is all about right? Freedom to learn and decide.

and thank you again.


Rich

If you are not going to "Fish" them out, try contacting a local Archery club to see if there are any plans for "Carp-Hunting" Tournaments and direct them to Silverwood. (Of course, check with DFG to make sure it's COOL!)

Big Bear lake used to have a HUGE Carp problem, and I remember seeing some advertised "Bow-Hunter's needed" in the local paper a long time ago to eradicate the species. Since then, a lot less carp in Big Bear. I guess they paid some guys a few bucks to deplete the surplus.

"ROD"

I was there on Mother's day. Did not see 1 carp and I stuck 5 LM. I know that they have electrofished a lot of carp out of Silverwood in the past, so the managers are aware of the problem. IMO they are a minor threat to our fishing compared to the cormorants and environmentalists.

Hell, if they fight good I might take some corn next time. Couldn't hurt in my quest to master the art of the Barni.
NoTrollMotor

I've seen Carp populations explode at Lake Berryessa ever since I was a kid. I know that there was a 25 cent bounty on Carp in that Lake years back. I cant stand Carp... theyre big, dumb, ugly fish but they do put up a hell of a fight...and they get huge.