(Nexstar) – While you may not see a bonus in your paycheck this August, if you have fishing gear ready, there’s a chance to snag some extra cash.
In certain states, fishermen can pay to catch specific fish species, with fees varying widely—some as low as a few dollars and others reaching into the six-figure range, depending on what’s being caught.
In regions along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, incentive money is allocated for black carp.
This species, along with three others introduced from overseas, has been stocked in aquaculture ponds. According to the USDA, invasive carp—including black, bighead, grass, and silver carp—are fast-growing and consume a lot of resources, negatively impacting native fish and causing environmental damage.
To address this issue, the Invasive Carp Regional Coordination Committee, a branch of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is promoting initiatives regarding black carp in and around the Mississippi River Basin. The incentive to catch these carp, initially focused on Illinois and nearby states, has recently broadened to include more areas.
This effort is part of the “Keep, Cool, Call” initiative.
In Illinois, $100 is allocated for each qualified black carp captured. To be eligible, fish must be caught in designated waters, including the Mississippi River or its tributaries across various states like Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, and others.
If you believe you’ve caught a black carp in any of these locations, officials encourage you to keep it. Make sure to note where it was caught, take photos of key features, and document your fishing gear. Fish need to be humanely euthanized and stored correctly, as keeping live carp is illegal. After processing this information, you should report your catch to local authorities.
Interestingly, Utah has initiated a similar campaign to remove carp from Lake Utah, called the Great Carp Hunt, which runs until November. This competition invites teams to attempt to catch as many carp as they can, with monthly prizes and a grand prize of $10,000 for the team catching the most carp overall.
As of this year, around 3,500 carp have been caught in the contest.
Meanwhile, in nearby states like Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, anglers are also rewarded for capturing native fish species that threaten the ecosystem. The Northern Piqueminow Sports Rewards Program has been in place since 1990 to help manage fish populations effectively.
Managed by the Pacific National Marine Fisheries Commission, the goal of this program is to increase the populations of the larger, older Northern Piqueminow from the Columbia and Snake Rivers. This species has set reward incentives that can range from $6 to $10 based on when they are caught, with additional payments for tagged fish.
In 2024 alone, one angler reportedly earned over $164,000 through this program. The top participants caught an average of 4,677 fish, translating to substantial reward payouts.
Idaho also offers incentives for catching certain types of trout in designated lakes and rivers.
Whether or not you can exchange invasive species for cash, it’s best to check with local wildlife officials regarding reporting requirements. They can also provide guidance on how to handle the fish; often, returning them to the water is not an option.
