West Virginia anglers catch record largemouth bass, blue catfish

West Virginia anglers set new state records for both largemouth bass and blue catfish in May, marking the fifth and sixth record-breaking fish of 2025, according to the Division of Natural Resources.

News Release
May 22, 2025

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that a record-breaking largemouth bass and blue catfish were caught in May, marking the fifth and sixth confirmed state record fish of 2025.

“These record catches showcase not only the incredible fishing opportunities in West Virginia, but also the dedication and skill of our anglers,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “We’re proud to see our state’s waters producing trophy-class fish that create unforgettable moments and lifelong memories.”

Seth Spry of Lumberport, W.Va., caught a 26.26-inch, 9.85-pound largemouth bass at a private pond in Harrison County, breaking the state’s previous largemouth bass length record.

On May 8, Seth Spry of Lumberport, W.Va., caught a 26.26-inch, 9.85-pound largemouth bass at a private pond in Harrison County using a live bluegill on 30-pound braided line. WVDNR District 2 fisheries biologist Dustin Smith confirmed Spry’s catch, which surpasses the previous 25.75-inch length record set by Eli Gain in 2001. The largemouth bass weight record remains with David Heeter, who caught a 12.28-pound, 24.8-inch fish in a private pond in Grant County in 1994.

On May 9, Justin Connor from Milton, W.Va., caught a 51.49-inch, 66.30-pound blue catfish on the Kanawha River in Putnam County using a mooneye on 80-pound test line. WVDNR fish culturist Ryan Bosserman, who works at the Apple Grove Fish Hatchery, confirmed Connor’s catch, which surpasses the previous 50.82-inch length record, set by Kimberly Feltner of Madison, Ind. in 2024. The blue catfish weight record remains with Michael John Drake, who caught a 69.45-pound, 50.51-inch fish on the Ohio River in 2023.

So far in 2025, the WVDNR has reported a record-breaking 3.6-pound, 17.7-inch black crappie in May, a record-breaking 24.57-inch, 5.75-pound redhorse sucker and record-breaking 12.44-inch, 1.60-pound redear sunfish in April and a record-breaking 27.60-inch, 12.55-pound tiger trout in March. A current list of state record fish can be found at WVdnr.gov/state-records.

To learn more about state fish record categories, check page 28 in the West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations. Information about the Trophy Fish Citation and Master Angler programs can be found on page 32.

All anglers 15 and older must have a West Virginia fishing license, which can be purchased online at WVfish.com. Anglers are reminded that a trout stamp is required when fishing for trout. They are also encouraged to upgrade their fishing experience by opting for a physical license card when they purchase their 2025 fishing license.