Recent flooding below Lake Texoma has resulted in increasing fishing activity in the Denison Dam tailrace.
However, there also is a heightened threat invasive species such as silver or bighead carp could be introduced into the lake.
Fish are currently stacked up in the tailrace, and baitfish is plentiful and easy to catch with cast nets.
Some of those fish may be invasive species such as those two carps.
“The danger is that young Asian carp resemble gizzard and threadfin shad, which are both commonly used for bait,” Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fisheries biologist Bruce Hysmith said.
“Anglers need to be aware these invasive species are present, and that it is illegal to move them or other baitfish from Lake Texoma tailrace to the lake itself,” Hysmith added.
It is a violation of Texas law to transport these carp alive, and any fish caught must be dispatched immediately, the TPWD reports.
The silver or bighead carp are native to China. Silver carp are known to jump from the water upon hearing the sound of a boat. Read more in the mid-week Bowie News.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department warns against invasive species such as the silver carp (top) and bighead  carp, both of which are found at Lake Texoma right now. (Courtesy photo by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department)