What is this? Carp?

[Nick Kuhn]

I took this screenshot earlier this year. It looks like typical spawning beds, but this photo was taken very late in the year and water deeper than what I'd expect to find them in. The lake has a carp problem; is this carp digging up the muck feeding?

[fishcast]

looks like you were fishing on the moon...

i have frequently seen bass spawn deeper than that, and bluegills certainly can in many waters... I kinda doubt it is carp making neat little bowl shapes. I would guess it has more to do with substrate type, lake morphometry, currents and wind and waver action... not sure. cool pics though!

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Yeah, could be bass. Ive read reports of both largemouth and smallmouth spawning in the 10+ foot range. Smallies were found nesting in 16+ feet on one of the great lakes.

Very interesting indeed. Check it out in spring.