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NGPC confirms live silver carp below North Platte diversion; staff planning sampling and partner discussions
Summary
Staff reported confirmation of live silver carp below the North Platte diversion in 2024, said the fish could reach Tri County Canal and Johnson Lake if they pass the diversion, and described planned sampling in 2025 and discussions with the diversion owner about mitigation.
Nebraska Game and Parks staff told attendees that in 2024 they confirmed live silver carp below the North Platte diversion and observed multiple jumping fish while netting one specimen.
Sean Ferrier, Southwest District Manager, said staff captured one silver carp and observed approximately six to eight additional jumping fish during the sampling event, and described the presence as “a major concern.” He told anglers that if silver carp move over the diversion gates they could access the Tri County Canal downstream to Johnson Lake.
Staff said NGPC plans targeted sampling above the diversion in 2025 to check whether silver carp have breached upriver barriers. Ferrier described ongoing discussions with “Central,” the diversion owner, about options to mitigate movement; he also reminded anglers that aquatic invasive species prevention depends on public vigilance and proper bait handling.
Chris Starr, identified at the meeting as the person in charge of NGPC’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) program, and biologist Jenna were noted as agency contacts for AIS reports. Ferrier said two reporting methods — an agency email and a phone number shown in the presentation — are available for anglers who see suspicious fish.
Ending: NGPC staff encouraged anglers and bait users to report suspected invasive fish using the agency contacts and pledged continued sampling and coordination with the diversion owner to reduce the risk of upstream spread.
