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’ve 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.
- Take lots of pictures!
An official record fish application must be completed by the angler, verified and signed by your local District Fisheries Biologist, and mailed to:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Havana Field Headquarters – 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.
