LUCKY ANGLER: Another New York State record catch confirmed in North Country waters

JEFFERSON COUNTY- Another New York State record fish that has come from North Country waters has been confirmed.

On May 3, Dylan Kampnich, of Dexter, NY was fishing from shore with his son in the waters of Black River Bay, Jefferson County.

After wrestling with a heavy aquatic creature on the end of his line, Kampnich muscled in what ended up being a 37-pound 9-ounce Channel Catfish, which broke the previous state record by 13-ounces.

Ironically, the previous state record channel catfish, which was recorded in 2022, was also reeled-in from the waters of Black River Bay.

“This catch is a great example of what New York’s abundant waterways have to offer and the thrilling news of this catch will certainly get anglers excited about getting on the water this season,” said Acting DEC Commissioner, Amanda Lefton.

According to the DEC, 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.

Mr. Kampnich 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 the convenience of their smart phone through an online entry form.

NYS DEC image.