Carp River (Mouth) Fishing Guide

Fish Species

Common fish you’ll find here:

Perch
Walleye
Northern pike
Smallmouth bass
Bullhead
Suckers

Seasonal runs:

Smelt (spring, at night)
Salmon (fall)
Steelhead (less targeted here, but present)

This spot is more of a mixed-bag fishery, especially in summer.

Best Times & Seasons
Spring
Smelt run when water temps hit high 30s to low 40s
Around 42° is the “trigger”
Night fishing only from most experience
Runs are short, usually 1–2 weeks
Warm nights and rain can turn it on fast
Summer
Steady action for perch, walleye, pike, and bass
Best bite:
Early morning (a couple hours after sunrise)
Evening (leading into sunset)
Midday tends to slow down
Fall
Salmon move through the river and stack near the mouth
Fish are active and visible (you’ll see them jumping in certain spots)
Winter
Limited access unless you’ve got the right vehicle
Not commonly fished compared to other seasons


Access & Location
Easy to find using Google Maps
Parking lot on-site
State-maintained outhouse available
Short walk (about 20–30 yards) to the pier

Notes:

Seasonal road can be rough or inaccessible in winter with a regular vehicle
In warmer months, access is simple and beginner-friendly
Usually not crowded unless fish are running hard

How to Fish It
Where to cast
Most bites come farther out from the pier, toward the middle of the river
Target the edges of current and slack water
Fish tend to sit just outside the current
Key pattern
Drift = better fish (perch, walleye, pike)
Let it sit = more bullhead and suckers
Summer approach
Drift a bobber setup down current when possible
If crowded, switch to a stationary rig to hold your spot
Fall salmon
Fish are moving through the system
You’ll often see them jumping in consistent spots along bends and corners


What to Use
Go-to setups

Bobber + bait (drifting)

Nightcrawlers
Leeches

Crappie rig (stationary)

Worm on bottom
Minnow on top

Casting

Small spoons
Rapalas
Salmon (fall)
Spoons (Little Cleo-style)
Bright colors, especially pink for pink salmon
Spawn, beads, or eggs


Local Tips
Fish hold just outside the current in slack water. If you’re not getting bites, adjust to that edge.
Most productive bites tend to come farther out, not right along the pier.
Drifting your bait will usually get you better fish than letting it sit.
If you just want to catch something:
Use a crappie rig with worm + minnow
Cast toward the center and be patient
Don’t rush your bait. Let it sit long enough before checking.
Crowds are usually light unless a run is happening, so you can move around and find your spot.