Changes planned for record fish program in 2014
Wisconsin's record fish program will receive some changes in 2014 with the addition of two new categories: 1) Modern Day/Legacy records and 2) Live Release records. The addition of these two new categories should bring some excitement into Wisconsin fishing and provide more anglers with an opportunity to catch a verified record fish.
Modern day/legacy records
Many of the older record catches have not been authenticated or verified by the standards of today (i.e., documented in the fish management handbook or present in the existing record fish files). Those records that have not been verified, will be retired but remain on the books as "Legacy" records and forever etched in fisheries lore. The vacated records of these species will create a new Modern Day Record Fish category that will be verified and adhere to the standards of the day. Category details [PDF]
Live release records
The Live Release Record Fish category will be length-only records for the catch and live release of selected species in Wisconsin waters. It has been designed to promote the conservation of fisheries resources and quality fishing by encouraging the careful release of trophy-size popular sport species. Category details [PDF]
Catching a record fish
Fishing Wisconsin's waters is enjoyed by many, but only a few anglers apply their skills to the extent that they catch a verified record fish. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognizes anglers who have legally taken the largest fish on record by hook and line, as well as those fish that have been taken by alternate methods (for example, spearing or bowfishing).
- Hook and line records
- Alternate method records (spear, bow and arrow, crossbow) records
The DNR does not keep line-class or lake-specific records. However, you may contact the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame [exit DNR] for national line class records.
You think you've caught a record fish?
If you think you or someone you know has caught a fish that might be a state record, there are a number of things you should do:
- don't clean or freeze the fish
- keep the fish cool - preferably on ice
- get the fish weighed as soon as possible on a certified scale (found in grocery, hardware stores, etc.) and witnessed by an observer
- contact the nearest DNR office to get the fish species positively identified and to find out whether the fish is a state record
- obtain and complete a record fish application [PDF]
An official record fish application must accompany all prospective record fish entries.
Complete list of Wisconsin's record fish [PDF]
For questions about record fish or comments about these pages send mail to: Bureau of Fisheries Management