DWR says 2025 carp-removal effort caught more than 13,000 fish, recommends more PIT tagging and mixed netting

Raquel Wilson, team lead for carp removal with the DWR, told the Utah Lake Authority that the agency captured more than 13,000 carp this season and estimated the removals exceeded 100,000 pounds. Wilson said the effort relied on stationary box traps, PIT tagging and a new preprogrammed timed tripper to reduce night-time staffing needs.

Wilson detailed operations for the 2025 season: 10 nets were deployed across Utah Lake, the season was extended by three weeks, and six nets were moved midseason as water levels fell. PIT-tag antennas were added to some nets to better track movement. "We captured over 13,000 carp," Wilson said, and staff continued PIT tagging to improve predictions of when carp would enter stationary nets.

She compared 2025 to the prior pilot year, noting last year deployed six nets, conducted about 41 net trips and captured roughly 5,800 carp. This season had 94 total net trips; 19 of those experienced "net difficulties," which Wilson described as partial or failed trips caused by sediment, wave action, battery problems and floated electronics. "Sometimes some sediment or some wave action would cause one of the sides not to trip, and that would let out all the fish," she said.

Wilson reported an overall catch-rate increase to about 16% and said most unintended catch was channel catfish, which staff measured and released. Sample collection for age, growth and toxicology continued. She described average sizes: carp averaged about 25–26 inches and around 8 pounds; channel catfish averaged near 25 inches and about 6 pounds.

Data from PIT tags showed consistent patterns: peaks in detections soon after baiting and stronger nocturnal activity, with some activity spikes just before sunrise and at baiting times. "These carp were kind of starting to anticipate when we would be giving them the food," Wilson said, noting that the PIT-tag detections will guide timing and placement decisions.

Operational improvements included a "timed tripper" device that can be preprogrammed to release nets without staff within range, replacing the prior key-fob method. Wilson called the timed tripper a "lifesaver" for avoiding nighttime tripping by staff. She also noted limits: a Goshen Bay net was never processed this season and was excluded from the data because of distance and logistical constraints.

Wilson recommended steps to improve future removals: tag more carp to increase detection samples, use mixed netting methods (box traps and larger seining), prioritize delta-area work early in the season when water is higher and continue to refine baiting schedules based on PIT-tag detections.

She closed by thanking partner organizations and DWR staff, and said analysis of the season's data will continue to refine operations. The DWR presentation did not propose or record a formal vote; Wilson framed the remarks as operational findings and recommendations for future seasons.