Hook-and-Line State Record Fish
The Division of Fisheries recognizes anglers who have legally taken the largest fish on record by hook-and-line. Review the Rules and Regulations for State Record hook-and-line fish here.
Do you think you have caught a record fish? Below is a list of things you should do:
- Contact your local District Fisheries Biologist to have the fish positively identified and find out if your fish is a record.
- Don't clean or freeze the fish — keep the fish cool and on ice.
- Get the fish weighed as soon as possible on a certified scale (found in grocery stores, meat markets, some bait shops or your local District Fish Biologist) in front of two witnesses.
- Fill out an official record fish application here.
- Complete an IDNR Image Release Form.
- Take lots of pictures!
An official record fish application and an IDNR Image Release form must be completed by the angler, verified and signed by your local District Fisheries Biologist, and mailed along with a photo of the fish to:
DNR Havana Field Headquarters
Attn: State Record Fish
700 S. 10th Street
Havana, IL 62644
State record fish holders will receive a commemorative plaque from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Division of Fisheries.
