Large Big Head Carp Captured in Chicago’s O’Hare Neighborhood
Forest Preserve workers in Chicago's O'Hare neighborhood captured a 91-pound Big Head Carp while conducting electrofishing at Schiller Pond, an event that surprised photo intern Giacomo Cain.
Chicago, IL, August 6, 2026 —
Forest Preserve workers recently encountered a significant catch during routine electrofishing operations at Schiller Pond in Chicago’s O’Hare neighborhood. A 91-pound Big Head Carp was captured, an event that reportedly surprised observers, including photo intern Giacomo Cain.
The capture occurred as part of ongoing electrofishing activities conducted by Forest Preserve personnel. Electfishing is a method used to temporarily stun fish, allowing researchers and workers to capture, identify, and study them. This particular catch, a substantial 91-pound specimen of the Big Head Carp species, stood out due to its size.
Schiller Pond is located within the O’Hare neighborhood, a busy area of Chicago. The presence of a large invasive species like the Big Head Carp in this urban waterway raises questions about the distribution and impact of such fish in local aquatic ecosystems. Big Head Carp are part of a group of invasive Asian carp species that have been a focus of concern for their potential to disrupt native fish populations and food webs in North American waterways.
The details surrounding the capture, including the specific purpose of the electrofishing at Schiller Pond and any subsequent actions taken with the captured carp, were not immediately available. The size of the fish, weighing 91 pounds, marks it as a notable specimen.
Story summarized from the original created by Giacomo Cain on blockclubchicago.org, see more information here.
