State Record Fishes and Awards

To qualify for consideration as a state record, the fish must have been caught in Kentucky waters by rod and reel or on a pole and line. Fish taken on commercial gear, by trotlines or by snagging, snaring or bowfishing are not eligible.

The fish must be weighed on a scale certified legal for trade, and the weighing must be witnessed by at least three disinterested persons whose signatures must appear either on the application or on a separate sheet attached to the application. If available, also provide the scale’s printout. The fish must be left intact and not filleted, gutted or cut up. The fish species identification must be verified in person by a Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources fishery biologist or the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery manager to be considered.                

If any questions or problems arise, call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549. Detailed requirements are listed on the third page of the application. Mail completed form and a photograph of the fish to KDFWR, Record Fish Program, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601.