I get this question all the time.  The answer is usually "now", when you realize you need them.  If weeds are still growing, then don't wait, carp will begin to work immediately. 

If you have the luxury of being able to plan ahead, like during the winter when weeds don't grow much, there are times when you can stock carp more reliably:

1.  Stocking April to mid-June assures the fish will be there and are healthy for the worst of the weed season.  Thus, its my first choice for "the best time to stock".  

2.  My second choice would be end of September to end of October.  This time period assures they will be there in the early spring when weeds start to grow- even if that is in February!  If you have a alot of winter and spring flooding or water going over a dam without a fish barrier, then late spring may be best.

Hot summer months are the times to avoid.  In my opinion, carp should not be handled in VA from the end of June to the middle of September because higher water temperatures are more conducive to pathogens that weaken carp and increase stress, and warm water holds less oxygen than cold water.  Netting and tranpsorting causes stress and if fish are not strong when doing so there can be problems.  But once carp are established in your pond, they are very strong and can endure ice-covered ponds and those that warm up to over 90 degrees. 

We appreciate your business in 2017.  The warm winter and hot weather contributed to fast aquatic weed growth, which thereby drove demand. 

We are closed for the year, reopening in the April 2018 timeframe.  If you want carp in 2018, please wait until VA DGIF posts the new years permits, then apply.  We will supply fish as soon as we get enough orders to warrant opening, likely in April.