WVDNR announces record breaking catches, return of free fishing days

By Real WV staff,

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced 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.”

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.

Free fishing days June 7-8

West Virginia’s Free Fishing Days will return June 7-8. Anglers and their families are encouraged to take advantage of this annual opportunity to fish for free in public lakes, streams and rivers around the state of West Virginia. 

“One of the best things about Free Fishing Days is how it brings people together,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Whether you’re introducing your kids to fishing for the first time or getting back out on the water with friends, this weekend is all about making memories in West Virginia’s great outdoors.”

Free Fishing Days Derbies at Little Beaver State Park in Raleigh County

As part of Free Fishing Days, the WVDNR will host fishing derbies at the Bowden Fish Hatchery and Little Beaver State Park on June 7. The events are free to attend and intended for youth anglers ages 3-14. Participants must be registered by an adult in order to participate and win prizes.

The Little Beaver State Park derby is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon. Registration will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m., and kids should bring their own fishing gear. A limited amount of bait will be provided.

As part of the festivities at the Bowden Fish Hatchery, the WVDNR will also celebrate the derby’s 30th anniversary. The Bowden Fishing Derby is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration will start at 7:30 a.m., followed by the following hour-long fishing sessions based on grade level.

• Preschool and Kindergarten: 8-9 a.m.
• First and Second Grade: 9-10 a.m.
• Third–Fifth Grade: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Sixth–Eighth Grade: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“The Bowden Fishing Derby has become a cherished tradition for many families and parents who participated when they were young anglers are bringing their kids back to carry on the tradition,” said Jim Hedrick, hatchery program manager for the WVDNR. “As we celebrate the derby’s 30th anniversary, we hope to continue this legacy for years to come and inspire the next generation of anglers.”

In recent years, the WVDNR has made significant improvements at the Bowden Hatchery, including an expansion from 40 to 60 fish rearing units. This upgrade, completed in 2023, has increased the facility’s capacity by 100,000 pounds of trout annually, which has enhanced trout stocking across the state.

Anglers 15 and older who enjoy Free Fishing Days and want to continue fishing after this weekend are encouraged to purchase or renew their fishing license at WVfish.com. For more information about West Virginia’s Free Fishing Days, visit WVdnr.gov/free-fishing-days.