West Virginia State Fishing Records

Reporting Procedures For Record Fish
A record of the largest fish of each species legally taken with rod and reel by a licensed angler in West Virginia waters is maintained by the Division of Natural Resources. Certificates of accomplishment are awarded for each record holder.

Anglers landing a potential state record fish should report the catch as soon as possible to the district fisheries biologist in the closest DNR district office. Please follow these guidelines to ensure accuracy of reporting.

1. Name, address, and telephone number of angler.
2. Species of fish, where, when, and how caught.
3. Total length of fish measured from tip of snout to end of tail. Lay fish on top of ruler on a flat surface. Close the mouth of the fish and squeeze the tail fin lobes together. Do not measure along the curvature of the fish’s body.
4. Fish must be weighed on a scale certified by the West Virginia Division of Labor.
5. Signatures and telephone numbers of two persons who witnessed the length and weight measurements.
6. A DNR fisheries biologist must verify the species, length, and weight of the fish.
7. A photograph of the fish is desirable.