Common Carp Fishing in Connecticut
The Connecticut State Record for common carp is 43 pounds 12 ounces. This record was broken three times in the last eight years, attesting to the increasing interest in angling for Connecticut's largest freshwater fish. Carp are found throughout the state and conveniently offer great angling.
Until 2000 carp had been an underutilized resource. By European standards, our fishery is just getting started. In 2008 The Tournament of Champions - which was organized by CARP Tournament Series was held on the Connecticut River in the East Hartford area. Subsequently, the fishery became very popular with more and more anglers enjoying the sport each year. In 2015 another tournament was organized with an $100,000 pay out if the state record was broken (verified by DEEP). The 2008 and 2015 events attracted anglers from all over the world with Poland, Romania, USA, Great Britain and other countries being represented.
Carp fishing in the CT River has increased in popularity in recent years and was featured in the hit TV series "On The Water" that aired in July 2016. You can also visit YouTube to watch Connecticut River Carp - On The Water TV Season 14 Episode 1.
Two Previous Carp State Records
2009; Steven Wasilewski
40 lbs. 8 oz.
2011; Nigel Griffin
41 lbs. 8 oz.
Current State Record
2012; Michael Hudak
43 lbs. 12 oz.
Content last updated October 2019