New York Game Fish Records

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The following New York sport fishing records are maintained for freshwater catches, according to state fishing regulations.

See below the chart for some information about claiming a New York state fishing record.

Setting a New York Fishing Record

It’s important to be prepared to claim your spot on the New York State Freshwater Fishing Records list.

And you’ll need to follow the right process to also be recognized for other Angler Achievement Awards, which honor exceptionally large fish that meet certain criteria, even if they aren’t the largest specimen ever recorded.

First of all, if you catch a potential record, make sure to get good photos, including a clear side view shot of you (or the lucky angler with you) holding the fish.

Also, you’ll need to locate a state-certified scale, which are most commonly found in grocery stores. Get the store owner, manager or other employee to weigh your catch. Have witnesses sign off on the accurate weight.

You’ll also need to have a Department of Environmental Conservation biologist or someone they designate to confirm the fish species, and you’ll need to fill out the official entry form.

If you’re going for a catch-and-release record, have a good tape measure and camera (or your smart phone) handy to capture the evidence before letting the fish go.

For the full set of rules and a link to the entry form, check the New York Angler Achievement Awards Program page.