Washington Game Fish Records: The Ultimate Guide to the State’s Top Catches

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Immerse yourself in the world of record-breaking fish catches in Washington, where freshwater giants and saltwater behemoths set the stage for unforgettable angling adventures. Imagine a colossal sturgeon emerging from the Columbia River, more than 1,100 pounds of sheer aquatic power, or bass tipping the scales as you reel in a 12.53-pound largemouth from Lake Bosworth. The state's waters are legendary for their 52-pound Albacore Tuna and 288-pound Halibut. It doesn't stop there; the salmon, trout, and a myriad of unique species tell their own stories in weight and tenacity, waiting for you to uncover every legendary catch.

Key Takeaways

  • The largest recorded sturgeon in Washington weighed over 1,100 pounds and measured up to 20 feet long.
  • The 12.53-pound largemouth bass record was set in Lake Bosworth, breaking a 39-year-old record.
  • Washington's biggest salmon catch is a 68.26-pound Chinook from the Elochoman River.
  • A 288-pound Halibut holds the saltwater record at Swiftsure Bank.
  • The 31-pound Tiger Muskellunge record was caught in Mayfield Lake in 2001.

Freshwater Giants

When you plunge into the world of Freshwater Giants in Washington, the sheer size of the sturgeon will blow you away. Imagine witnessing a creature that can weigh over 1,100 pounds and stretch up to 20 feet long. It's a proof/evidence/confirmation of nature's grandeur. These ancient fish, which often live for over a century, are the behemoths of the Columbia River, where the largest recorded catch tipped the scales beyond 1,100 pounds. Though records suggest they could theoretically reach up to 1,500 pounds, such sightings remain a tantalizing mystery. Their massive size makes them a remarkable sight and solidifies their status as the largest freshwater fish in North America. The website bdoutdoors.com, which offers detailed fishing insights, may occasionally block access if potential threat is detected by its security measures.

As you explore further, bass offer a different kind of thrill. Washington's waters host largemouth bass like the 12.53-pound marvel from Lake Bosworth. Smallmouth enthusiasts find their prize in the Columbia River, with an 8.75-pound record at Hanford Reach. Their widespread presence in lakes like Roosevelt and Washington makes them accessible to anglers statewide.

Don't overlook the catfish and walleye lurking in the depths. With Lake Terrell's channel catfish reaching 37.70 pounds and Lake Wallula's walleye at 20.32 pounds, these giants promise a fight worthy of your angling skills. Washington's freshwater offers a playground for record-breaking pursuits.

Record Saltwater Species

While freshwater giants in Washington captivate with their impressive size and allure, the saltwater domain offers its own record-breaking wonders. Imagine casting your line into the vast Pacific, knowing you could hook a legendary catch. Kurt Strickland did just that in Grays Harbor County, reeling in a 52-pound Albacore Tuna on October 1, 1997. Nearly two decades later, Adam Speer shattered the Pacific Bluefin Tuna record with a 92.15-pound beauty in Pacific County.

But it's not just about the tuna. The sheer size of a 288-pound Halibut caught at Swiftsure Bank back in 1989 remains unmatched, leaving you to wonder about the ocean's hidden giants. And let's not forget Chris Otte's record-breaking 2.27-pound Striped Surfperch from Westport, a proof of the diverse marine life waiting beneath the waves. Carl Pruitt holds the record for the largest Largemouth Bass in Washington, weighing 11 lb. 9 oz., caught at Banks Lake in 1977.

In Washington, a saltwater license is required for all anglers aged 16 and above who wish to partake in saltwater fishing, ensuring that the state's oceanic treasures are responsibly harvested and enjoyed.

  • Albacore Tuna: 52.00 lbs, Grays Harbor County
  • Pacific Bluefin Tuna: 92.15 lbs, Pacific County
  • Halibut: 288 lbs, Swiftsure Bank
  • Striped Surfperch: 2.27 lbs, Westport

To join these ranks, confirm your catch is verified by a WDFW biologist and follow the detailed submission process.

Bass and Sunfish Champions

The thrill of bass fishing in Washington is undeniable, drawing anglers to its waters with the promise of breaking records and the allure of untamed nature. Bill Evans exemplified this excitement on August 8, 2016, when he reeled in a record-breaking 12.53-pound largemouth bass at Lake Bosworth, Snohomish County. Using a Strike King 5-inch Shim-E-Stick, wacky-rigged on a 1/0 hook, his catch not only weighed in impressively but also measured 23 inches long with a 22.5-inch girth, surpassing a 39-year-old record. This victory over Carl Pruitt's 1977 record at Banks Lake remains an achievement to strategic angling. Lake Bosworth, located south of Cedar Falls, is among the small lakes featured on the WDFW's Fish Washington resource, which offers valuable insights for anglers. Interestingly, while Washington boasts impressive bass catches, states like California hold 20 of the country's top 25 heaviest largemouth bass catches, showcasing the diverse fishing opportunities across the nation. Ray Wonacott's legendary catch of an 8.75-pound smallmouth bass in the Columbia River's Hanford Reach in 1966 still stands strong today, challenging anglers to match his feat. Meanwhile, sunfish champions like Barbie Hathawayn, who caught a 1.09-pound pumpkinseed in Lake Terrell, and William Jackson, with his 1.38-pound rock bass in Steilacoom Lake, showcase Washington's diverse waters and the surprises they hold. Washington's lakes and rivers offer dynamic angling experiences, where each cast could lead to a record-breaking triumph. To claim your spot among these champions, follow the detailed submission procedures outlined by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Salmon and Trout Leaders

Across Washington's vast and varied waters, the pursuit of salmon and trout records captivates anglers with both its challenges and rewards. Each catch tells a story of dedication and mastery, from the legendary Chinook caught by Mark Salmon in 1992 to the elusive Resident Rainbow Trout landed by Norm Butler a decade later. Washington's rivers and lakes are arenas for record-setting battles, where the clash between angler and fish is both a test of skill and an embrace of nature's unpredictability. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife provides comprehensive data on various fish species, helping anglers understand the trends and numbers behind their potential record catches. The diverse salmon angling experiences available across the state's waters provide unique opportunities for anglers to test their skills and potentially break existing records.

Imagine casting your line in these storied waters, aiming to etch your name alongside:

  • Chinook Salmon: Mark Salmon's 68.26 lbs catch in the Elochoman River
  • Brown Trout: R. L. Henry's 22.00 lbs triumph at Sullivan Lake
  • Summer-run Steelhead: Gilbert Pierson's 35.06 lbs record from the Snake River
  • Lahontan Cutthroat Trout: Dan Beardslee's 18.04 lbs achievement in Omak Lake

These records aren't just numbers; they symbolize the rich biodiversity of Washington's waters and the relentless pursuit of angling excellence. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife facilitates sustainable practices, allowing you to chase your own legendary catch while contributing to the conservation of these magnificent species.

Unique Record Holders

As you explore into the world of Washington's unique record holders, you'll discover tales of remarkable catches that stand apart from the more traditional salmon and trout narratives. Take, for instance, Tom Nelson's extraordinary 61-pound Ling Cod caught in the San Juan Islands in 1986. This fish not only reigns as the largest saltwater catch but also symbolizes the thrill of deep-sea fishing. Meanwhile, Mike Hepper's 19-pound walleye from the Columbia River in 2007 showcases the allure of freshwater challenges. The Chinook Salmon holds a special place in Washington's fishing records, with a massive 70 lbs 8 oz catch from the Pacific Ocean in 1964, demonstrating the state's rich salmon fishing history.

Imagine the excitement John V. Bays felt in 2001 when he reeled in a 31-pound Tiger Muskellunge from Mayfield Lake, a record that still stands. Equally impressive is Bryan McMannis's Northern Pike, weighing in at 34 pounds 6 ounces from Long Lake in 2004. Furthermore, the hefty 17-pound burbot caught by Mike Campbell in Bead Lake further illustrates the diversity of Washington's waters. The Atlantic Salmon world record at 79 pounds, 2 ounces highlights the potential for even larger catches, encouraging anglers to aim high.

Don't overlook the giants of the deep sea like the 288-pound halibut from Swiftsure Bank. Each of these records tells its own story, prompting you to ponder the unique variety and vast potential for adventure in Washington's fishing landscape.

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