Three new state fishing records broken in West Virginia this spring

WVDNR highlights trophy catches as anglers gear up for summer fishing

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that three new state fishing records have been broken, highlighting the exceptional fishing opportunities available across the state as anglers head into the summer.

The record-breaking catches include a 71-pound blue catfish caught on the Ohio River in Jackson County, a 13.32-pound tiger trout caught at Summit Lake and a 6.46-pound redhorse sucker caught at Kanawha Falls.

“These incredible catches highlight the outstanding fishing opportunities that West Virginia has to offer,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “From scenic lakes to iconic river destinations, anglers can find excellent fishing experiences all across our state. We encourage everyone to get outside, cast a line and enjoy West Virginia’s waters this summer. You never know when you might reel in a record-breaker.”

Record Blue Catfish

Michael Ramey of Poca set a new state weight record for blue catfish after catching a 71-pound, 50.23-inch fish on May 9 while fishing the Ohio River in Jackson County. Ramey caught the fish using cut bait on a 100-pound test line. The catch surpasses the previous state weight record of 69.45 pounds established in 2023 by Michael John Drake. The new record was verified by WVDNR fisheries biologists Nate Taylor and Drew Carter from the District 6 office in Parkersburg. Justin Connor continues to hold the state blue catfish length record at 51.49 inches from the Kanawha River.

Record Redhorse Sucker

Zachary “Zak” Roper of Fayette County set a new state record for redhorse sucker after catching a 6.46-pound, 25.43-inch fish on May 7 at Kanawha Falls. Roper caught the fish using corn on 15-pound test line. The catch surpasses the previous record of 5.75 pounds and 24.57 inches established in April 2025 by Jason Floyd at the Belleville Lock and Dam. The record was officially verified by WVDNR District 4 fisheries biologist Cory Hartman.

Record Tiger Trout

Donnie Workman of Nicholas County set a new state record for tiger trout on April 26 while fishing at Summit Lake. The fish weighed 13.32 pounds and measured 29.80 inches in length. Workman caught the tiger trout using meal worms and orange salmon eggs on 8-pound test line. The record was officially verified by WVDNR District 4 fisheries biologist Cory Hartman.

Anglers who believe they have caught a state record fish should keep the fish alive in a livewell, chilled on ice or wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen, then contact their local WVDNR district office for official weight and length verification.

To learn more about state record categories, anglers may consult the West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations. Information about the Trophy Fish Citation and Master Angler programs is also available in the regulations summary.

All anglers 15 and older must have a valid West Virginia fishing license and a form of identification while fishing. Those fishing for trout are also required to have a trout stamp. Fishing licenses and stamps may be purchased online at WVfish.com.