Detroit River Common Carp

The Detroit River provides numerous fishing opportunities to catch a variety of fish ranging from small to large and everything in-between.

Walleye, perch, white bass and small-mouth bass sure do get alot of focus locally, but there are many other fish available to sports fishermen who like catch photo and release fishing. Sturgeon, gar, muskie and pike are available as well, but a highly under-fished variety is the ciprinius carpio aka "The Common Carp".

It's the largest, most accessible, reasonably easy to catch fish available in the river. 

A medium action rod about 8' long, a 4000 or 5000 series reel spooled up with 25 # mono or 50 # braid will make it easier.

If fishing from an elevated position like a pier or dock, a net with an 8' handle and 30" or larger hoop will help a bunch as you lift the typical 10 to 15 # carp out of the water. I use a flat-bottomed Ranger tournament muskie net, which works well.