West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced that an angler from Wayne has caught a state record channel catfish, marking the sixth state record catch of 2024 so far.
John Tyler Rutherford caught the 43.51-inch, 46.70-pound channel catfish in his father’s farm pond July 12 in Wayne County, breaking the length record set in 2022 and the weight record set in 2023. Both records previously were held by Alan Burkett of Moorefield, who caught his fish at South Mill Creek Lake in Grant County.
“West Virginia’s incredible fishing opportunities continue to amaze and attract anglers from near and far and this record-breaking achievement showcases the world-class fishing adventures our state has to offer,” said Gov. Jim Justice.
“I want to congratulate John Tyler Rutherford on his outstanding catch,” said Brett McMillion, WVDNR director. “This remarkable achievement highlights the superior quality of West Virginia’s fisheries and the dedication of our team in maintaining and enhancing these aquatic resources.”
Rutherford reeled in his record catch using worms. Jeff Hansbarger, WVDNR district fishery biologist, and Jake Whalen, assistant fishery biologist, traveled to the site to measure and weigh the record fish.
In addition to this channel catfish, record tiger trout, redbreast sunfish, bowfin, redear sunfish and black crappie have been caught this year.
To learn more about state record catches, visit WVdnr.gov/state-records.