Common carp are of the cyprinidae family, the largest group of freshwater fish. Distinguished by large, sometimes golden scales, barbells, a stout profile and a small mouth, carp can grow to more than four feet and nearly 100 pounds, though 2- to 3-foot specimens of 10 to 20 pounds are more commonly encountered in the United States. Aesthetically speaking, carp, which lack the streamlined shape and the delicate watercolor patterns of trout, are an acquired taste for some.

“I think carp are maligned here because they’re not considered classic table fare — though they were brought to North America in the 1800s specifically for that purpose,” said Kirk Deeter, an editor-at-large for Field & Stream and part of a clan of fly-fishers who regularly stalk carp in the South Platte River in downtown Denver. “They are one of the most resilient fish in the world. They can live in almost any conditions — warm or cold, clean or dirty water — and are readily accessible just about wherever you live. Go to a local lake or a golf-course pond, carp are the fish you’re likely to see. If you want to sight cast to a tailing fish that might be 10 pounds or more, carp are it.”

Deeter added: “I like to equate carp fishing with soccer. Around the world, carp is the No. 1 sport fish. A staggering amount of money is spent on carp angling. But here in America, it’s just starting to catch on.”

This may be true among casual anglers, but many professionals know better. Ask guides on the finest trout streams in the American West what they do on their days off, and they will sheepishly admit that they chase carp.

“There’s a pretty common theme for anglers who get excited about carp,” Rice said. “They start out fly-fishing for trout, and then take a saltwater trip where they catch bonefish and tarpon. In the course of the saltwater fishing, something clicks about getting bigger fish on the fly. When they get back home and fish for trout again, that big-fish thrill is a little lacking. Then they discover carp.”