Two record-size New York fish have recently been caught: A channel catfish, and a fallfish, both caught in the Northern New York State.
On May 3, while shorefishing with his son, Dylan Kampnich of Dexter reeled in a 37-pound 9-ounce channel catfish from Black River Bay in Jefferson County, the first state record fish of the year. Kampnich’s record-breaking catch surpassed the previous state record catfish caught in 2022, also from the Black River, by 13 ounces.
Channel catfish are the largest members of the catfish species that live in New York. They feed primarily on the bottom at night and are most easily caught using live bait such as worms or baitfish. When hooked, catfish can provide a challenge for even the most experienced anglers.
Just 10 days later, Alex Pidhorodeckyj of Peekskill, NY, reeled in a 4 lb. 1 oz. fallfish from the St. Lawrence River near Massena in St. Lawrence County, while jigging for walleye and pike. Pidhorodeckyj’s catch broke the previous fallfish record caught in 2009 by half a pound.
Fallfish are the largest native minnow species in New York State and are commonly found in medium-sized streams to large, warmwater rivers. Not often sought after by anglers, fallfish are usually caught while targeting other species, such as smallmouth bass or trout. Fallfish have a reputation for putting up a good fight when caught.
Both men submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers who catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species.
Through this program, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.
The program’s three categories are: Angler Award; Youth Angler Award; and State Record. As part of the program revamp, anglers can now submit entries for qualifying catches from their smart phone through an online entry form. For official program rules, eligible species, and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler Achievement Awards webpage.
Photos, from above: Dylan Kampnich with his state record channel catfish; and Alex Pidhorodeckyj with his record fallfish (provided by DEC).
Read more about fish and fishing in New York State.
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