In May, two anglers set the first catch-and-release records in an expanded Minnesota state record fish program. Both anglers photographed and released huge fish; a lake sturgeon and a flathead catfish.
“Congratulations to our first two record holders in the record program we expanded this year,” said Mike Kurre, who manages the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ record fish program. “It’s great to see these photos and applications and know there are still chances for other anglers to catch these enormous fish.”
Cindy Pawlowski of Frazee caught and released the record lake sturgeon May 8 on the Rainy River in Koochiching County. The fish was 62 7/8 inches long with a 29-inch girth.
Steven DeMars of Stillwater caught and released the record flathead catfish, also on May 8, in the St. Croix River in Washington County. The fish was 47 inches long with a 30-inch girth.
The new catch-and-release length records are for muskellunge, lake sturgeon, or flathead catfish and require anglers to measure and take a photograph of the fish before releasing it.
Anglers can also submit potential state record fish based on certified weight, which require the fish to be harvested.
Guidelines and application forms for each type of record are available on the MDNR record fish page.
There is also an option to participate in the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame’s Master Angler Program, which recognizes 60 fish species.
For more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us.
source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources