Utah Lake is facing a persistent battle against invasive carp, and the Utah Lake Authority is calling on the community to join forces once again. The 'Great Carp Hunt' is back, and this time, it's personal!
Carp, an invasive fish species, poses a significant threat to the lake's ecosystem. They muddy the waters, destroy native plants, and put the June sucker, a native fish, at risk. Kelly Cannon-O'Day, spokesperson for the Utah Lake Authority, emphasizes the urgency: "We've made progress with the June sucker, but there's still a long way to go. Getting carp numbers down is crucial to tackling other issues and restoring the lake's health."
The Great Carp Hunt is an annual event, and this year, it's bigger and better. Anglers are challenged to catch as many carp as possible, with cash prizes up for grabs. But here's where it gets controversial: the Utah Lake Authority is introducing a bounty system. For each fish caught, teams will receive $1.50, and the Authority will match that amount, contributing to the grand prize pool. "The more you catch, the higher your chances of winning!" exclaims Cannon-O'Day.
The competition will run from April to June, with tournaments scheduled twice a month. This year, there's a twist: shore fishing and boat fishing categories have been introduced, catering to different angling styles. The team or individual with the most catches over the season wins the prize pot, and there are two pots up for grabs, one for each category.
The Authority is trying this new approach to make the contest more cost-effective while maintaining its appeal. "We want to remove as many carp as possible, and this system allows us to do that while keeping costs down," explains Cannon-O'Day. But this is just the beginning. More aggressive measures are needed to make a significant impact on the carp population.
Invasive species management efforts will require additional funding, and the Authority is working closely with Utah's congressional delegation to secure the necessary resources. "There are an estimated 3 to 4 million carp in Utah Lake, which is a vast improvement from the previous 10 million, but we must continue to push these numbers down," says Cannon-O'Day.
Local leaders are fully committed to this cause. Former Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi, who chairs the Utah Lake Authority board, has set an ambitious goal: to rid the lake of carp and invasive plants by 2034. "In Utah, we believe in the impossible. Carp, you're next! We won't rest until Utah Lake's waters are clear again," she declared at the 2025 Utah Lake Symposium.
So, are you ready to join the fight? Registration for the 2026 Great Carp Hunt is now open, and the competition promises to be fierce. Will you be part of the team that helps restore Utah Lake's ecosystem? The future of the lake's health is in your hands. Remember, every carp caught brings us one step closer to our goal. Are you in?
