Invasion Of Prussian Carp

[Fishslayer99]

Viewers beware....this is the horrific site I saw while exploring new water bodies within 30 minutes of Calgary. I was hoping for some Pike or Perch instead I find this. I have never seen anything quite like it in my life, I am afraid it may be all downhill from here. Something should have been done about this years ago, or at least a better effort! this water body is connected to many irrigation canals. all irrigation reservoirs south and east of Calgary are in danger!




The below pisture link will take you to a Photobucket video, you have to scroll down to view...don't know why...not very good at this stuff.

[AlbertaAngler]

So that video is them boiling in the water? Scary stuff.

[Fishslayer99]

Originally Posted by AlbertaAngler

So that video is them boiling in the water? Scary stuff.

Yes it is...they were stacked on top of each other...Pisture link? lol guess I cant spell...

[RayL42]

Did you report it to ESRD ?

http://esrd.alberta.ca/recreation-pu...cies/fish.aspx

[Fishslayer99]

Originally Posted by RayL42

Did you report it to ESRD ?

http://esrd.alberta.ca/recreation-pu...cies/fish.aspx

Yes it has been reported.

[lds]

What water body is it. Maybe we can try and fish em out to keep the numbers down. And rule on catch and kill?

[edmhunter]

Very scary situation for sure!!!!

How do they taste? Did you try it?

[hunhun]

Not interested to try them, but I can image they are moving faster than ESRD's control action.

[FlyTheory]

Hunters (I am not) use rough fish for bear bait. Maybe once the info is disclosed and you guys find out they are full of bones, you can freeze the catch and give them to bear hunters.. Just an idea since you can't use these as bait.

[dodger]

Where would I suggest a buddy to go with his family for some fishing fun for these Carp?

Someone has to cough up a canal or a body of water if the problem is so extreme.

Dodger.

[caloc]

Does anyone caught these fish in Chestermere lake yet?

[Talking moose]

Originally Posted by dodger

Where would I suggest a buddy to go with his family for some fishing fun for these Carp?

Someone has to cough up a canal or a body of water if the problem is so extreme.

Dodger.

Starting to look like some of the people moaning about them also like catching them and are being tight lipped.... Lol

[dodger]

Originally Posted by Talking moose

Starting to look like some of the people moaning about them also like catching them and are being tight lipped.... Lol

I can only hear the Crickets.

Dodger.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by dodger

I can only hear the Crickets.

Dodger.

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showt...ht=Carp&page=2

Sadly it is all too real and a major catastrophe affecting all anglers in Alberta. Like illegally introduced perch destroys the fishing in a trout pond ...so too will carp wreck havoc and harm pretty much all of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Some idiots will move these to BC next potentially harming salmon fishing and trout fishing throughout the province. Just a matter of time before they spread south into the US.

Sad day when those idiots stocked the first pond.

[FlyTheory]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showt...ht=Carp&page=2

Sadly it is all too real and a major catastrophe affecting all anglers in Alberta. Like illegally introduced perch destroys the fishing in a trout pond ...so too will carp wreck havoc and harm pretty much all of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Some idiots will move these to BC next potentially harming salmon fishing and trout fishing throughout the province. Just a matter of time before they spread south into the US.

Sad day when those idiots stocked the first pond.

At least we don't stalk bass anymore

[Fishslayer99]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showt...ht=Carp&page=2

Sadly it is all too real and a major catastrophe affecting all anglers in Alberta. Like illegally introduced perch destroys the fishing in a trout pond ...so too will carp wreck havoc and harm pretty much all of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Some idiots will move these to BC next potentially harming salmon fishing and trout fishing throughout the province. Just a matter of time before they spread south into the US.

Sad day when those idiots stocked the first pond.

I couldn't agree more, very sad altogether and way too late to do anything about it. I find it interesting how some seem to think this INVASIVE species will not have a major impact on our fisheries. Very frustrating the justification going on regarding this whole carp business. To be honest I'm quite pi***d about quite a few of the comments. At the end of the day I guess thanks to ESRD's prompt response to the first report, we just have to enjoy our new wonderful sport fish!

[burbotman]

Originally Posted by Talking moose

Starting to look like some of the people moaning about them also like catching them and are being tight lipped.... Lol

Very similar to the wild boar threads in the hunting forum........

[Jorg]

I think this thread is a long running April fools joke. I ran my nets in Weed lake today and it still contains glass worms, which don't live in bodies of water containing fish. Every fall I harvest river shrimp in the exit canals from Chestermere and Dalmead lakes ... lots of fish trapped in them ...still have not seen a carp.

[jeprli]

I would give them another two weeks, closer to may long weekend they will start moving around. Last night's frost has 'em hiding in deep water. I managed to get out for few hours this morning but noticed iced puddles. Still kinda cold for them to be really active. Talked to few people on the pond and beside one carp every other catch was either sucker or perch.

[pinelakeperch]

Originally Posted by Jorg

I think this thread is a long running April fools joke. I ran my nets in Weed lake today and it still contains glass worms, which don't live in bodies of water containing fish. Every fall I harvest river shrimp in the exit canals from Chestermere and Dalmead lakes ... lots of fish trapped in them ...still have not seen a carp.

They're without a doubt in Blood Indian.

[Smecher]

Hey guys. I have been fishing for carp back in Europe for about 10 years. Back there we eat this fish and believe it or not, if you know how to cook it, it's delicious. Over there they stock it and people pay for access to private water that produces nice specimens of carps. We have fishing competitions including this carp and trust me, for its size, it fights. Grab a light or ultralight tackle and it's on!
I have seen so much hate towards the Prussian carp on this site and it seems like everybody is concentrating on the negatives. I see a lot of people on here willing to destroy this fish out of fear of the unknown, I bet most of them never seen, caught or ate one in this life.
Here is how I see it. Calgary has been growing pretty fast, which means the fishermen numbers have increased significantly. I have lived here for a long time and we all can agree that fisheries quality around Calgary is decreasing day by day because of excessive pressure,poaching,commercial fishing,etc. Daily catch limits are being reduced year after year in an effort to have fish stocks to recover. What if a tough fast reproducing species is the answer? I have seen this fish back home sharing waters with many other species without many problems. I can tell you that most of us fish eating fishermen could actually have a fry in our pan every time we head out to a lake. Prussian crap would survive in literally any puddle in or out of Calgary. No more driving for hours to reach a decent fishery, us and our kids would have a very sustainable species of fish on our doorstep. What if this would mean less pressure on the existing game fish (I personally and many others I know would rather target this fish than pike for example), more food for the pikes and waleyes ( meaning the prized trout would be less targeted by predators). Let's face it, at the rate this city grew and continues to do so, we'll soon have only catch and release fisheries. Prussian carp may not be as pretty and kissable as trout but i can tell you that all Asian, European and some Canadian fishermen who like to eat fish would prize it. I think this fish deserves more respect and should not be treated like garbage. Something to think about.

[Moefoe]

I hear what your saying and for the most part I agree...if we could limit these little buggers to ponds and pothole lakes I don't have a problem with that! Last year I was curious and went up to Dewitts and caught a few of them, it was a fun couple of hours...BUT if these guys get into the Bow river system upstream of Carsland, knowing what they can potentially do I'm gonna be ****ed!!

[huntsfurfish]

Originally Posted by Smecher

Hey guys. I have been fishing for carp back in Europe for about 10 years. Back there we eat this fish and believe it or not, if you know how to cook it, it's delicious. Over there they stock it and people pay for access to private water that produces nice specimens of carps. We have fishing competitions including this carp and trust me, for its size, it fights. Grab a light or ultralight tackle and it's on!
I have seen so much hate towards the Prussian carp on this site and it seems like everybody is concentrating on the negatives. I see a lot of people on here willing to destroy this fish out of fear of the unknown, I bet most of them never seen, caught or ate one in this life.
Here is how I see it. Calgary has been growing pretty fast, which means the fishermen numbers have increased significantly. I have lived here for a long time and we all can agree that fisheries quality around Calgary is decreasing day by day because of excessive pressure,poaching,commercial fishing,etc. Daily catch limits are being reduced year after year in an effort to have fish stocks to recover. What if a tough fast reproducing species is the answer? I have seen this fish back home sharing waters with many other species without many problems. I can tell you that most of us fish eating fishermen could actually have a fry in our pan every time we head out to a lake. Prussian crap would survive in literally any puddle in or out of Calgary. No more driving for hours to reach a decent fishery, us and our kids would have a very sustainable species of fish on our doorstep. What if this would mean less pressure on the existing game fish (I personally and many others I know would rather target this fish than pike for example), more food for the pikes and waleyes ( meaning the prized trout would be less targeted by predators). Let's face it, at the rate this city grew and continues to do so, we'll soon have only catch and release fisheries. Prussian carp may not be as pretty and kissable as trout but i can tell you that all Asian, European and some Canadian fishermen who like to eat fish would prize it. I think this fish deserves more respect and should not be treated like garbage. Something to think about.

Its an invasive species. People are concentrating on the negatives because it is negative. Eventually, people will accept it. But anyway you want to put it, the negatives still out way any positives.
We do not want zebra mussels or Asian Carp either. Fish species should not be introduced just to please "All Asian, European and even some Canadian fishermen" who like to eat fish. There are plenty of whitefish and other species(suckers for example) around and if it goes catch and release so be it!
I was born in Alberta and dont want to see these fish here or any other invasive species. To many that is one heck of a negative.

Not to mention that this is your first post and may just enjoy a little trolling.

[Battery]

If we're going to support an invasive species, we might as well throw a couple snakeheads into these lakes, they'll take care of the carp.

[CK Angler]

Seen this picture floating around FB

If you catch one, kill it !

[Smecher]

Originally Posted by huntsfurfish

Its an invasive species. People are concentrating on the negatives because it is negative. Eventually, people will accept it. But anyway you want to put it, the negatives still out way any positives.
We do not want zebra mussels or Asian Carp either. Fish species should not be introduced just to please "All Asian, European and even some Canadian fishermen" who like to eat fish. There are plenty of whitefish and other species(suckers for example) around and if it goes catch and release so be it!
I was born in Alberta and dont want to see these fish here or any other invasive species. To many that is one heck of a negative.

Not to mention that this is your first post and may just enjoy a little trolling.

Yes, that is my first post because I rarely like to but in. I am not trolling. I am also not celebrating "the carp invasion", just trying to make some notes on the possible positive outcome.
Just to make one thing clear, carps are here and not going anywhere. People can stomp on them all they want, I know this fish and you can drop an atomic bomb, it will probably grow an extra eye or something but it will survive. I respect all fish in the water, I didn't put them there, you didn't and none of us can change that.
About the white fish, yes, good fish, but not everybody fishes deep out of boats in the summer using fish finders. I personally am against fish finders and those underwater cameras people use under ice, but that's a different story altogether.
Suckers are not great for eating in my opinion.

[FlyTheory]

Originally Posted by Smecher

Hey guys. I have been fishing for carp back in Europe for about 10 years. Back there we eat this fish and believe it or not, if you know how to cook it, it's delicious. Over there they stock it and people pay for access to private water that produces nice specimens of carps. We have fishing competitions including this carp and trust me, for its size, it fights. Grab a light or ultralight tackle and it's on!
I have seen so much hate towards the Prussian carp on this site and it seems like everybody is concentrating on the negatives. I see a lot of people on here willing to destroy this fish out of fear of the unknown, I bet most of them never seen, caught or ate one in this life.
Here is how I see it. Calgary has been growing pretty fast, which means the fishermen numbers have increased significantly. I have lived here for a long time and we all can agree that fisheries quality around Calgary is decreasing day by day because of excessive pressure,poaching,commercial fishing,etc. Daily catch limits are being reduced year after year in an effort to have fish stocks to recover. What if a tough fast reproducing species is the answer? I have seen this fish back home sharing waters with many other species without many problems. I can tell you that most of us fish eating fishermen could actually have a fry in our pan every time we head out to a lake. Prussian crap would survive in literally any puddle in or out of Calgary. No more driving for hours to reach a decent fishery, us and our kids would have a very sustainable species of fish on our doorstep. What if this would mean less pressure on the existing game fish (I personally and many others I know would rather target this fish than pike for example), more food for the pikes and waleyes ( meaning the prized trout would be less targeted by predators). Let's face it, at the rate this city grew and continues to do so, we'll soon have only catch and release fisheries. Prussian carp may not be as pretty and kissable as trout but i can tell you that all Asian, European and some Canadian fishermen who like to eat fish would prize it. I think this fish deserves more respect and should not be treated like garbage. Something to think about.

I see where you're coming from, and you make a very good point that for the most part I agree with. And I'm not responding as an attack towards you, just as a comment on what you've said;
Yes we need better fishing opportunities for the growing population, but stocked pothole lakes have been doing a very good job so far., and are probably the answer. Maybe if they created more pothole lakes that can sustain larger stocking programs, that may help the pressure on native rivers. Or on top of that is to get more people into that brookie killing program. Regardless I personally don't think carp are the solution. Although some people dislike pike and perch, it may be the answer since they reproduce fairly quickly and are native. Also I personally believe that we have to stop stalking foreign strains of rainbow trout, we should either stock athabows, or native cutthroat (where environment is permissible).
What do you people think?

[michaelmicallef]

I think that if anyone is caught with these fish in thier possession they should face a $1000 fine per fish. Catch and destroy on site only. Never mind how they taste. That's the dumbest thing I've heard. The spread of these fish by people has to be eliminated and the insentive to do so has to be removed. That's what I will be proposing to SRD. They are already in ponds around Calgary and they didn't get there by themselves.

[rapalaman]

Originally Posted by michaelmicallef

I think that if anyone is caught with these fish in thier possession they should face a $1000 fine per fish. Catch and destroy on site only. Never mind how they taste. That's the dumbest thing I've heard. The spread of these fish by people has to be eliminated and the insentive to do so has to be removed. That's what I will be proposing to SRD. They are already in ponds around Calgary and they didn't get there by themselves.

X2 hatcheries should stop the sale of these fish completely some people are not responsible enough for that kind of danger. They also don't warranty any of your fish if these carp ruin your pond.

[Kim473]

Originally Posted by michaelmicallef

I think that if anyone is caught with these fish in thier possession they should face a $1000 fine per fish. Catch and destroy on site only. Never mind how they taste. That's the dumbest thing I've heard. The spread of these fish by people has to be eliminated and the insentive to do so has to be removed. That's what I will be proposing to SRD. They are already in ponds around Calgary and they didn't get there by themselves.

I think anyone with a dead one in there possesion should receive a bounty. $$$$ Catch them, kill them and deposit in a garbage bag at home.