The CPUE (fish/6,000 m3) of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix obtained by using an electrified butterfly trawl (paupier) was evaluated among various temporal (time of day and season) and spatial (location, habitat [shoreline and open water], and water depth) factors that are likely to be influential in large lentic habitats. The paupier sampled the upper water column (1.5 m) in three locations (Kentucky Lake, Kentucky [two embayments]; Lake Barkley, Kentucky [forebay]; and upper Illinois River, Illinois [two backwaters]). Sampling commenced 2 h prior to sunset and continued into the night, not exceeding 5 h beyond sunset. Model selection showed that all temporal and spatial factors were important. Post hoc analysis revealed that Silver Carp CPUE was higher at night (beyond 1 h after sunset), in shoreline habitat, and in water generally no deeper than 5 m. Seasonal variation in CPUE occurred, but in general the CPUE was high in the fall for all locations. Considering these results for management application, we estimated the sampling effort required to reach precise CPUE and adequately assess size structure (125 stock‐length fish) in shoreline habitat at night. These sampling objectives were attainable in the spring and fall seasons for all locations (4–31 deployments) but were more variable in summer. We recommend consideration of the paupier as a standard method to sample Silver Carp in large lentic habitats by using the guidelines provided herein (i.e., sampling of the shoreline beyond 1 h after sunset during the fall season). An important next step to strengthen this method is to validate CPUE as an index of density.

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