Wisconsin's 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).

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.

A Monster Swims Among Us

DNR crew nets record yellow bass in Lake Mendota

DNR fisheries technician Scott Harpold holds the potential world record yellow bass netted during a Lake Mendota fish survey.

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 65KB]

An official record fish application must accompany all prospective record fish entries.

Complete list of Wisconsin's Record Fish [PDF 64KB]

For questions about record fish or comments about these pages send mail to: Bureau of Fisheries Management