Fishing License

• Anyone who is 17 years of age or older must possess a fishing license in order to legally fish for carp in Michigan. Several types of licenses are available, and persons who are under age 17 can fish without a license provided they abide by all the rules and guidelines. Carp fishing is open year-round.
  
  

Types of Carp in Michigan

• Several types of carp exist in the waters in and around Michigan. The common carp, also known as the German carp, is the most typical, though grass carp and silver carp are not unheard of. Asian carp, a foreign invasive species, is threatening the Great Lakes.
  
  

Carp Bait

• There are many possible types of bait you can use while fishing for carp. Dough balls, or bread balls, make good homemade bait that is cheap and easy to make. Other foodstuffs such as sugar, cereal, corn and honey can all be mixed into the dough to increase the effectiveness of your homemade bait.
  
  

Places to Catch Carp in Michigan

• Carp can be found in many lakes, ponds and rivers in Michigan. Belleville Lake in Belleville, Michigan, is known for consistently producing carp that range between 6 and 30 lbs. Lake Erie Park, on the shoreline of Lake Erie, is known for its massive quantities of carp. The park will even loan you a free fishing pole. The Muskegon River is accessible from many areas in West Michigan and is a great place to find carp. Ford Lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has also been known to produce carp weighing up to 30 lbs. Finally, there are many areas along the coast of Lake Michigan where you can find plenty of carp.
  
  

Fly Fishing for Carp

• Some fishermen in the state of Michigan enjoy fly fishing for carp. This can be done by blind casting or sight casting, the latter being a much more effective method. Fly fishing can also be done at night when the carp are known to be more active.