Leaping carp alarm: Biggest catch yet near Winona

Along Trempealeau dike. A Minnesota DNR crew stretches nets to determine extent of the invasion of the silver carp. The so-called “leaping carp” threaten to deplete native marine life. Images: Deborah Rose.

Nets capture 300 in Mississippi’s Winona pool

WINONA, Minn. – Dreaded leaping carp have further established a presence in the Mississippi River just downstream from Winona. More than 300 of the invasive carp were captured last week in Pool 6, which is the reservoir behind the Trempealeau dam 16 miles north to Fountain City. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources described the catch as largest single capture in the state so far. The previous record: 51 in 2020. The carp, native to China, have voracious appetites and can kill off native marine life. The carp were imported to Arkansas in the 1970s to eradicate microscopic algae but escaped impoundment and have moved incrementally north in the Mississippi River and tributaries for 50 years. The latest catch, south of Winona on Thursday, comprised 296 silver carp, 23 grass carp and 4 bighead carp. It’s the silver carp that are dreaded. The capture followed a report from a commercial fishing crew two weeks ago about landing six carp with DNR tags from downriver. The agency then stretched nets across the river to determine the extent of the invasion. Grace Loppnow, the state Invasive fish project coordinator, was doubtful that the carp are reproducing yet in Pool 6.   Data suggest they moved up the river last spring when the Army Corps opened am gates to replace extensIve flooding, Loppnow said.

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Still waters on surface. How many carp lurking below? This at a DNR catch site on the Minnesota end of the Trempealeau Dam dike?