Carp Plans Catch Anglers’ Attention
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
NEWS RELEASE: Drought Advisory Update
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
Anglers want no carp as Smith Mountain Lake fights Hydrilla
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
Hydrilla Status and Potential Remediation – Public Meeting Presentation 02.04.2026
https://tricountylakes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Hydrilla-Pub-Mtg-02.04.2026.pdf
Grass carp approved — again — to curb invasive plant in Smith Mountain Lake
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
Officials developing plan to address invasive hydrilla
Next steps include obtaining the final water survey results and determining how much aquatic acreage is affected. “TLAC’s Environmental Committee is going to meet with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources,” Sage added. “We will consult about what’s the best treatment, and if that is carp, we will take their advice on how many carp are needed per acre and where they are needed to be released in the lake.”
Hydrilla surges back
Hydrilla was first spotted at Smith Mountain Lake in 2007. The plant, which originated in Asia, has spread to bodies of water throughout the U.S. over the past few decades.
Harmful Blue-green Algal Blooms (HABs) in VA: Updates to the Public Advisory Process
Algae blooms are not unusual during warmer months. For background, risk, testing and advisory information, please read the attached update from the Virginia Department of Health. Find more details here