California species
Common carp in California
How to find and keep common carp in California.
- see ruledaily bag
- 52 lbs., 0 oz.record
California fresh water
Where common carp fit in California
The other group in CDFW references includes Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), a fresh water fish. The Statewide limit is see rule, size none.
In 1968, a 52 lbs., 0 oz. fish from Lake Nacimiento set the state record.
see ruledaily bag
nonesize rule
52 lbs., 0 oz.state record
0flagged waters
Limits
common carp bag and size rules
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | see rule | none | All year |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Records
California record common carp
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater angling | Lure | 52 lbs., 0 oz. | Lake Nacimiento | 1968 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
More species
Neighbors of common carp on the list
- Mountain whitefishother
- White bassother
- American shadother
- Sacramento splittailother
- Orangemouth corvinaother
Answers
common carp: the usual questions
Can I keep common carp in California?
see rule (Statewide), size none.
What is the biggest common carp caught in California?
52 lbs., 0 oz. from Lake Nacimiento (1968).
Where do anglers catch common carp?
The range notes above cover it.
Where does CDFW plant common carp?
CDFW lists no 2026 plants.
How can I tell common carp apart?
Scientific name Cyprinus carpio.
Is common carp season open now?
All year
What stamps apply to common carp?
From 16 you need a license ($64.54 resident); some species add a report card.
Can I book a trip for common carp?
The guides page lists every operator.
Target common carp this season
Each water in these lists opens to its own page.