Indiana Fishing Records: 2 National #1s Across 55 Species

Indiana holds 55 official state fishing records, all freshwater, across one of the most geographically diverse record books in the Midwest. The state claims 2 national #1 records — Crappie and Shovelnose Sturgeon — and several strong top-five finishes including Rock Bass (#3 of 26 states) and Yellow Bass (#3 of 15 states). The record book spans from 1963 to 2025, with six new entries added since 2023 alone. For a full overview of the state’s fisheries, see our complete Indiana fishing guide.

Indiana’s geography drives its record diversity. Lake Michigan in the northwest corner produces cold-water species unavailable anywhere else in the state. The Wabash and White rivers carry trophy catfish and gar through the heartland. The Ohio River along the southern border holds the state’s heaviest fish. And the glacial lakes of the north hold Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Walleye that draw serious anglers from neighboring states.

Records That Stand Out

Crappie — 4 lb 11 oz (#1 of 7 states)

Willis Halcomb’s 4 lb 11 oz Crappie from a private lake in Jennings County in 1994 is Indiana’s top national ranking — leading all 7 states that track the species. Jennings County, in the southeastern part of the state, is home to several clear-water private lakes and impoundments that produce exceptional Crappie fishing with limited pressure. At 4 lb 11 oz, this fish is enormous by any measure — most Crappie anglers never see a 3-pounder, let alone one approaching 5. The record has held for over 30 years, which says something about both how good that original fish was and how rarely waters produce one near its weight. For the best public Crappie fishing in Indiana, see our best fishing spots guide.

Shovelnose Sturgeon — 14 lb 8 oz (#1 of 10 states)

Mike Latoz caught Indiana’s Shovelnose Sturgeon from the Wabash River in Fountain County in 1999 — 14 lb 8 oz, leading all 10 states that track the species. The Wabash River is Indiana’s longest river, flowing nearly 500 miles through the center of the state before joining the Ohio, and it holds one of the strongest Shovelnose Sturgeon populations in the Midwest. These are prehistoric bottom feeders that hit crayfish, cut bait, and nightcrawlers drifted through gravel runs and current breaks. Indiana’s national #1 for Shovelnose Sturgeon rarely makes headlines, but it’s one of the quietly dominant entries in the state’s book.

Rock Bass — 3 lb (#3 of 26 states)

David Thomas caught Indiana’s Rock Bass record from Sugar Creek in Hancock County in 1969 — a 3 lb fish that ranks third nationally among 26 states. Sugar Creek is one of Indiana’s most beloved fishing streams, running clear and rocky through the Shades State Park area in Montgomery and Parke counties, with its headwaters extending through Hancock County. Rock Bass rarely get serious angling attention, but Indiana’s record shows what the state’s clear-water streams can grow. A 3-pounder would be a legitimate trophy catch anywhere in the Midwest.

Yellow Bass — 2 lb 15 oz (#3 of 15 states)

Jim Raymer’s 2 lb 15 oz Yellow Bass from Morse Reservoir in Hamilton County in 2000 ranks third nationally among 15 states. Yellow Bass are one of Indiana’s most overlooked species — present in several central Indiana reservoirs but rarely targeted. Morse Reservoir, a 1,800-acre impoundment north of Indianapolis on the West Fork of the White River, holds one of the state’s strongest Yellow Bass populations. These fish school in open water through summer and hit small jigs and spinners worked through the column. At nearly 3 lbs, Raymer’s fish approaches the upper limit of what the species grows to anywhere.

Steelhead — 26 lb 9.9 oz (#2 of 3 states)

Evan Nicholson landed Indiana’s Steelhead record from Trail Creek in La Porte County in 1999 — 26 lb 9.9 oz, ranking second among the 3 states that track the species. Trail Creek flows through Michigan City before entering Lake Michigan and is Indiana’s most famous tributary run. Lake Michigan Steelhead migrate up Trail Creek and several other short northern Indiana streams from fall through early spring, with peak runs in November and again in March. These fish — Great Lakes-acclimated Rainbow Trout that spend part of their lives in the open lake — grow to sizes that Indiana’s inland waters can’t replicate. Nicholson’s record is one of the most impressive catches in the state’s book.

Flathead Catfish — 79 lb 8 oz (White River, 1966)

Glen T. Simpson’s 79 lb 8 oz Flathead from the White River in Lawrence County in 1966 has stood for nearly 60 years — one of the oldest records in Indiana’s book. The lower White River through Lawrence and Martin counties is deep, woody, and slow in its pools, the kind of water that grows Flatheads to extraordinary sizes over long lifespans. Flathead Catfish hold specific pieces of structure for years; the best fish come from holes that knowledgeable local anglers don’t talk about. Night fishing with live bait — bluegill, creek chubs, small carp — is the proven approach. Simpson’s fish remains the standard for what Indiana’s rivers can produce in this category.

Spotted Gar — 9 lb 11 oz (#3 of 9 states)

Kyle Hammond caught Indiana’s Spotted Gar record from Rivir Lake in Noble County in 2024 — 9 lb 11 oz, ranking third nationally among 9 states. Noble County sits in the northeastern lake district, and Rivir Lake is a smaller impoundment that apparently holds an exceptional Spotted Gar population. This is a recent record (2024), meaning Indiana’s gar fishing is actively being explored. The fact that Indiana also set new Longnose Gar and Shortnose Gar records in 2025 suggests the state’s river systems are getting more attention from gar-specific anglers.

Striped Bass — 40 lb 3.8 oz (Blue River, 2023)

Ciara Hawkins and Emily Hatfield caught Indiana’s Striped Bass record from the Blue River in Harrison County in 2023 — a joint-entry at 40 lb 3.8 oz. The Blue River in the far southwest corner of Indiana is stocked with Striped Bass by DNR as a big-game freshwater fishery in one of the state’s most scenic streams. Harrison County, which also holds the Largemouth Bass record, is quietly one of the most record-productive counties in the state — two completely different species, two completely different types of water.

Where Indiana’s Records Come From

The Wabash River system is Indiana’s most productive record producer by species count — holding records for Shovelnose Sturgeon, Goldeye, Shortnose Gar, Skipjack Herring, and Sauger (on the Tippecanoe, a major tributary). The White River accounts for Flathead Catfish, Freshwater Drum, Sucker, Silver Carp, and Bighead Carp. The Ohio River holds Blue Catfish and the new Longnose Gar record. Lake Michigan is its own category: Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead, Pink Salmon, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Lake Whitefish, Coho Salmon, and Tiger Trout — ten-plus records from 45 miles of Great Lakes shoreline.

Kosciusko County stands out among lake counties — holding the Muskellunge record (James Lake) and the Common Carp record (Pike Lake). Steuben County contributes the Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout records from its glacial lakes. Trail Creek in La Porte County produced both the Chinook Salmon record (1980) and the Steelhead record (1999). Harrison County in the southwest has produced Largemouth Bass and Striped Bass records from entirely different water types. The Tippecanoe River in Carroll County holds both the Hybrid Striped Bass record and the Sauger record.

The record book has been actively updated — six records have fallen since 2023, including Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Spotted Gar, Longnose Gar, and Shortnose Gar. All records are maintained by the Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. A valid Indiana fishing license is required to fish in public waters.

Complete Indiana Fishing Records

🏆 = national #1 record

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Indiana state record fish?

By weight, Indiana’s heaviest record is the Blue Catfish at 104 lbs, caught by Bruce Midkiff from the Ohio River in 1999. Indiana holds 55 official freshwater records total, including 2 national #1s: Crappie (4 lb 11 oz, Jennings County, 1994) and Shovelnose Sturgeon (14 lb 8 oz, Wabash River, 1999).

What is the Indiana state record largemouth bass?

The Indiana largemouth bass record is 14 lb 12 oz, caught by Jenifer Schultz from a lake in Harrison County in 1991. It ranks 17th nationally among 45 states and has stood for over 30 years.

What is the Indiana state record catfish?

Indiana tracks three catfish species. Blue Catfish leads at 104 lbs (Ohio River, 1999, Bruce Midkiff). Flathead Catfish is 79 lb 8 oz (White River, Lawrence County, 1966, Glen T. Simpson). Channel Catfish stands at 37 lb 8 oz (Vanderburgh County lake, 1980, Randy E. Jones).

Does Indiana have any national #1 fishing records?

Yes — Indiana holds 2 national #1 records. Crappie: 4 lb 11 oz caught by Willis Halcomb from a private lake in Jennings County in 1994, leading all 7 states that track the species. Shovelnose Sturgeon: 14 lb 8 oz caught by Mike Latoz from the Wabash River in Fountain County in 1999, leading all 10 states. Indiana also has strong top-five finishes in Rock Bass (#3/26), Yellow Bass (#3/15), Yellow Perch (#5/37), Bullhead (#3/6), and Steelhead (#2/3).

How do I submit a record fish in Indiana?

Indiana DNR accepts state record entries online at in.gov/dnr, by emailing recordfish@dnr.IN.gov, or by mailing the entry form and photo to: Record Fish Program, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 402 W. Washington St., Room W273, Indianapolis, IN 46204. The fish must be caught legally by hook and line from Indiana waters. A weight measurement and quality photograph are required.

Do I need a special stamp to fish for trout in Indiana?

Yes. A Trout/Salmon Stamp Privilege ($11) is required in addition to your base fishing license to target trout or salmon in any Indiana waters, including Lake Michigan. See our Indiana fishing license guide for full details on costs and exemptions.

Sources: Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife — Record Fish List.