Are these fish eating or is this spawning behavior? I really would like to catch some on a fly, but I will mix up some bait if I have to!

Well, not going to be able to tell much from stills, but couldn't figure out how to upload video without hosting someplace else.

Very likely spawning behavior. I have had zero luck catching when they are actively spawning. I have caught them while they are staging for the spawn and post spawn.

Well, spawning or not, my daughter caught her first carp last night, followed by another, then a cat and another carp! The girl is hooked! As we were leaving, she asked "Why have never fished for carp before?"

Well done. Those were probably staging and getting ready to come in to spawn. She apparently had a good time.

We saw one hanging out that was probably 20lbs or more. When I took the original pics, several days ago, there were 2 or 3 in that size range. Are those likely females? Are carp like other species were the males are usually smaller?

If there are 20 pounders out there, then give this a try.

https://youtu.be/4HJNrljkWGI

From what I just read, males and females are generally the same size for the 1st 5 to 6 years. The females then grow faster and bigger than the males.

Thanks for the info. We will have to give this a try. My pb Buffalo was high 20's, low 30's. It was 20+ years ago. I can't seem to find a pic of it. I keep thinking "surely I would've taken a pic of that?", but maybe I didn't. Digital sure has made archiving these such things easier!
Note to self: put scale in gear bag!
Thanks again!

Kids love carp fishing. They will never fish for perch again!!

Love the smile.
They will always dream of the big ones but just love to catch fish.
Great job.

Your daughter did great!

great fishing spawning for sure

Beautiful pictures man! Well done.