Lake Hopatcong Grass Carp:

[saxmatt]

Originally Posted by thmyorke1

I agree with there being plenty of weeds. Last summer numerous spots on the Raritan were populated with vegetation.

Hiwever I dont see much grass carp. I can usually spot the common carp that roam around clearly. I won't doubt grass carp are in there but I can't say at a high population

I've only seen 2. There are a few in there but they are rare. They're definitely not spawning or you'd see more. They were stocked to control the weeds.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by saxmatt

I've only seen 2. There are a few in there but they are rare. They're definitely not spawning or you'd see more. They were stocked to control the weeds.

Stocked purposely in the Raritan? Or they swam their way down? I wonder where they were originally.

[saxmatt]

Originally Posted by thmyorke1

Stocked purposely in the Raritan? Or they swam their way down? I wonder where they were originally.

They were stocked in the canal, which flows into the Raritan.

[Lard Almighty]

I hope this doesn't happen. Grass carp destroyed the fishing on Lake Eufaula in Alabama several years ago, it was big news in bass fishing circles when it happened. Allegedly, the grass carp ate just about every weed in the place, and then got so desperate for food that they started hitting lures.

Spraying might be a better option; at least you can target some areas selectively with herbicide. You can't tell the grass carp to just stop eating when enough of the weeds are gone.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Oh no this is turning into a political debate!!! What the hell??? Hahaha!!!! When there were contests at least people posted pics of fish! Now we just have statements and opinions from a bunch of cranky fair weather fishermen!!! Oh boy!!!

Disclaimer; My statement isn’t directed at anyone in particular! I’m just telling da truth!!! Please don’t get offended and if you do, PISS OFF!!! LOL!!!!!

[AndyS]

Grass carp were not stocked in the canal, they escaped from some farm pond being used to keep down weed growth. Flooding has spread these fish out. As F&W stated, they can only be stocked with NO OUTLET waters. Small fish need weeds to hide in, grass carp eliminate all the weeds thus destroying the food chain.

[thmyorke1]

I haven't heard if any grass carp were put into the canal

I have read posts on the canal stating about chemicals used on the water to control vegetation (or insects, I forget which)

The whole Raritan and Delaware watershed ends up to the main stem; surely it's gonna get some foreign fish.