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Pennsylvania Fishing Records

The state of Pennsylvania offers great opportunities for fishing. Pennsylvania has thousands of lakes and ponds, 85,000 miles of rivers, and streams. Additionally there are 101 state parks and 20 state forest that are open for fishing.

Pennsylvania has records for 30 fish species caught within the state. Below you will find each record, what you need to be eligible for a record, and how to submit a record application.

Pennsylvania Record Fish

SpeciesWeight (Lb.)LocationCaught ByDate
Largemouth Bass11 lb, 3 ozBirch Run ReservoirDonald Shade1983
Rock Bass3 lb, 2 ozElk CreekDavid L. Weber1971
Smallmouth Bass8 lb, 8 ozScotts Run LakeRobert T. Steelman1997
Striped Bass53 lb, 13 ozDelaware RiverDonald J Clark1989
White Bass4 lbConneaut LakeRobert H. Hornstrom2002
Bluegill2 lb, 9 ozKeystone LakeTom Twincheck1983
Common Carp52 lbJunita RiverGeorge Brown1962
Bullhead Catfish4 lb, 10 ozBeltzville LakeIan C. Radle2011
Channel Catfish35 lb, 3 ozLehigh CanalAustin E. Roth III1991
Flathead Catfish56 lb, 3 ozSchuylkill RiverJonathan Pierce2020
Crappie4 lb, 3 ozHammond LakeRichard A. Pino2000
Freshwater Drum19 lb, 14 ozMonongahela RiverTim Rogers1994
Muskellunge54 lb, 3 ozConneaut LakeLewis Walker Jr.1924
White Perch1 lb, 12 ozDelaware RiverJames Clark2008
Yellow Perch3 lb, 0 ozLake ErieKirk Rudzinski2021
Chain Pickerel8 lb, 15 ozLong PondDave Wilson2002
Atlantic Salmon17 lb, 2 ozRaystown LakeBrian Keller2001
Chinook Salmon28 lb, 15 ozLake ErieGregory Lasko1990
Coho Salmon15 lb, 5 ozLake ErieJack Scheirer1985
Pink Salmon4 lb, 8 ozElk CreekDavid A. Rabatin1995
Sauger4 lbSusquehanna RiverTim Waltz2001
American Shad9 lb, 9 ozDelaware RiverAnthony Mecca1986
Suckers12 lb, 14 ozAllegheny RiverRaymond C. Szlewicz2003
Brook Trout7 lbFishing CreekVonda Ranck1996
Brown Trout19 lb, 10 ozWalnut CreekFazle Buljubasic2000
Golden Rainbow Trout13 lb, 8 ozMahoning CreekEli Borger2008
Lake Trout31 lb, 13 ozLake ErieKeith Miller2019
Rainbow Trout15 lb, 6 ozJordan CreekDennis L. Clouse1986
Steelhead Trout20 lb, 3 ozWalnut CreekCorey T. Brown2001
Walleye18 lb, 1 ozYoughiogheny RiverRichard E. Nicholson2021

Eligibility for Pennsylvania Fishing Records

To qualify for a state record, the fish must have been caught in Pennsylvania public water. The fish must exceed the current record by at least 2 ounces and it must be weighted on a certified scale. The fish must be measured by a metal ruler or tape.

Documentation Needed

  • Clear side view photo of the fish with fins spread.           
  • The fish must be left intact and not filleted, gutted or cut up.
  • Measurements must be made by an official measuring station or authorized employee of the Pennsylvania
    Fish & Boat Commission.
  • Species must be verified by a Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission biologist, waterways conservation officer (WCO) or other authorized employee of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
  • Completed application must be sworn to and properly notarized.
  • Application must be received within 60 days of the catch. 

How to Report a New Fish Record in Pennsylvania

To report a new record, mail your completed application and photo to:

PA Fish & Boat Commission
State-Record Fish Program
PO Box 67000
Harrisburg PA 17106-7000

Before submitting your application double check you have the proper documentation. You can find all requirements on the third page of your application.

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