Copi for sale at Illinois State Fair

Posted on August 7, 2023
Acting Illinois Department of Natural Resources director Natalie Phelps Finnie. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – An invasive fish that’s getting an image makeover is for sale to eat at the Illinois State Fair.

Last year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources started marketing Asian carp as “copi.” Acting DNR director Natalie Phelps Finnie says copi tastes “a lot like bluegill or crappie. It’s a light, flaky, wonderful fish.”

You will have your choice of copi burgers, sliders, tacos, and rangoon.

The fish is for sale at the DNR’s Conservation World during the run of the fair, Aug. 10-20.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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