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Photo of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 — George Chernilevsky, Wikimedia Commons
Freshwater

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

An overlooked pull in the middle of the city. Echo Park, Balboa, MacArthur, and Legg all hold fish that will take line.

Size / bag
No min · no bag limit
Season
Year-round
Difficulty

Habitat around Los Angeles

Nearly every lake and pond in the county, including water that looks too urban to fish.

How LA anglers actually fish them

No statewide bag or size limit for common carp in inland waters. That does not mean you can ignore park rules, lead restrictions, or no-fishing signs. Dough bait, corn, and a simple bottom rig. Early morning, before the paddle-boats, is the window at the city lakes.

Current CDFW regulations

  • Size limit: No statewide minimum
  • Bag / possession: No statewide bag limit
  • Season: All year unless a park closes the water

Park ordinances can still restrict take, gear, or hours. Silver Lake Reservoir is not a public fishery.

CDFW inland sport fishing →

Independent-site disclaimer: this summary is for orientation only and can change in-season. Confirm with CDFW before you keep a fish. Fish in LA is not affiliated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Best lures & bait

  • Dough bait
  • Sweet corn
  • Bread on a small hook

How to catch them

  • Lightly chum, then wait on a simple bottom rig
  • Fish shallow margins at first light

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