Bounty Program
Every carp brought in earns $1.50 cash. The total bounty paid out across the season is matched to create the grand prize pool, awarded to the top team at the end of the season. The more everyone catches, the bigger the prize gets.
Disclosure: utahlakecarp.com is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or run by the Great Carp Hunt organizers. We are an independent informational resource. For official registration, rules, and event details, please visit the Great Carp Hunt directly. The information below is based on publicly available details and past seasons.
How the Tournament Works
Teams Register in Advance
Participants sign up before each tournament date. Teams can compete in either shore or boat categories, and individual anglers are welcome too.
Catch Carp at Designated Locations
Anglers fish at the tournament locations using any legal harvest method -- including rod and reel, bowfishing, netting, and traps.
Weigh In & Collect the Bounty
Catches are brought to the weigh-in station. Participants collect $1.50 for every carp. Season totals determine grand prize standings.
2026 Tournament Schedule
Tournaments run twice monthly from April 11 through June 27, 2026. Visit the official Great Carp Hunt website for exact start times, registration deadlines, and entry details.
Tournament Locations
Utah Lake State Park
Provo
Primary venue. Shore and boat categories.
American Fork Marina
American Fork
Shallow flats ideal for high-volume catches.
Lincoln Beach
West Shore
Less pressure. Good for shore competitors.
Categories
Shore Category
Participants fish from the bank at designated access points. All legal shore-based methods are allowed: rod and reel, cast nets, seines, and more. A great option for anglers without boat access.
Boat Category
Competitors fish anywhere on Utah Lake from their own vessel. Bowfishing from a boat is extremely effective. Teams with boats typically bring in higher volume, but the shore category has its own separate prize structure.
2025 Season Results
The 2025 Great Carp Hunt was a massive success, removing 4,686 carp from Utah Lake across the season. Team BPS took home the $10,000 grand prize, demonstrating that competitive carp removal pays -- literally. The 2026 season aims to surpass those numbers.
Tips for Competing
Scout Before Tournament Day
Visit your target spots the week before. Look for muddy, churned-up water -- that's where carp are feeding. Check the fishing report for current conditions.
Use Multiple Methods
Top teams combine angling with bowfishing and netting. Diversifying your approach maximizes your fish count. Know the regulations for each method.
Focus on Volume, Not Size
The bounty is per fish, not per pound. Target schools of smaller carp in shallow bays for the fastest accumulation. Spring spawning areas are goldmines for volume.
Thinking About Entering?
If you haven't checked out the Great Carp Hunt yet, it's worth a look. Brush up on your technique, know the regulations, and get familiar with the lake before tournament season arrives.