Nebraskaland Magazine
LINCOLN – Carp-O-Rama is back in 2015 but in a new location. This popular, family-friendly event will be held June 20 at Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA).
Anglers of all ages interested in learning all aspects of carp fishing are invited to attend this free event from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lieber’s Point. Carp caught by anglers will be used in demonstrations on cleaning, preparing and cooking the fish. The cooked fish then will be served as a free lunch.
Other activities include fish printing, Dutch oven cooking demonstrations and prize drawings for children age 15 and younger. Loaner fishing poles will be available.
Carp is an excellent fish for beginning anglers to pursue because they are plentiful statewide, and the required equipment is relatively simple. The strong-fighting fish also is not restricted by bag, possession limits or size limits.
The north and east sides of Lieber’s Point will be chummed with corn the day before the event to attract carp to the area. Canned, whole kernel corn and dough baits are good bait options for catching carp.
In the past, Carp-O-Rama has been held at Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area. However, in November of 2013, a chemical was applied to Pawnee Lake to remove unwanted white perch and gizzard shad from the fish population. Other fish, including common carp, also were impacted. While carp still exist in Pawnee, Branched Oak has a larger population of carp.
A park entry permit is required of all vehicles entering Branched Oak SRA, located 4 miles north of Malcolm in Lancaster County. A fishing license is required of anglers age 16 and older. Both permits may be purchased at the park.
For anglers in western Nebraska, there will be a Carp-O-Rama on July 11 at Lake Maloney Reservoir SRA south of North Platte.
