Another Successful Carp Derby!

Allegan Conservation District hosted the Lake Allegan Carp Derby. Common Carp are an invasive species found in Lake Allegan that stir up sediment—reducing water clarity and adding nutrients that can trigger algae blooms.

Participants caught a total of 161 lbs of carp! Josh Beck caught the most (5 carp) and was dubbed the Carp King. Mark Tarman caught the largest (18.7 lbs, 31.8 inches). And Ryan Tarman was the youth who caught the largest (9.75 lbs, 27.1 inches). The event was scheduled on the Free Fishing Weekend so participants didn’t even need a fishing license. Fishing began at midnight and wrapped up at 11AM on the 13th. Everyone had a great day on the water and won some prizes, all while doing important conservation work!