State Record Fish

Missouri has a long, proud tradition of fishing, and its abundant lakes and streams have produced exceptional fish. MDC has developed the State Record Fish Program to acknowledge and honor anglers who have caught the largest recorded fish from a list of recognized species found in Missouri waters.

+ see more - show less
  1. To qualify, the applicant’s fish must:
    • be captured by legal methods from Missouri waters, by the holder of a valid permit or proof of exemption.
    • be a species included on the Missouri State Record Fish list.
    • meet or exceed the current record.
  2. New open records must meet or exceed the Master Angler Award minimum weight for that species to be considered.
  3. Anglers may be recognized in two different categories: “pole and line” or “alternative methods” (this includes trotlines, throwlines, limblines, banklines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, bow, crossbow or atlatl).
  4. Fish must be weighed on a certified scale in the presence of an employee of the Missouri Department of Conservation.
  5. The entry must be examined by a Missouri Department of Conservation staff member familiar with the genus. Contact any Department office, or if after business hours, the local conservation agent. If a positive identification cannot be made with certainty, the assistance of a designated fish identification expert must be sought.  Call a Department Regional Office to be connected with the nearest identification expert. The Department reserves the right to consult additional biologists to confirm the identity of the species.
  6. Potential record fish may be frozen while awaiting identification but must be thawed for weighing. Fish should not be mounted or consumed prior to receiving the results of the entry form review and certification.
  7. Genetic testing, for positive identification, and x-raying for weight authentication, will be performed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, when necessary, for positive identification at no cost to the applicant.
  8. A photo of the fish is required, with views showing areas key to identification preferred, as well as a photo of the person with the fish.
Think you have a record?
State Record Fish Entry Form243.61 KB
State Record Fish Entry Form
Master Angler Award

Latest State Record Fish

View Past Records

Displaying 131 - 136 of 136

Alternative method: Sunfish: Hybrid

Open
Weight

Alternative method: Burbot

Open
Weight

Alternative method: Sunfish: Red Spotted

Open
Weight

Pole and line: Gar: Alligator

Closed
Weight

Pole and line: Catfish: White

Open
Weight

Alternative method: Muskellunge

Open
Weight