Freshwater and saltwater sport fish records

Have you caught a fish that you think might surpass a current state record? 

An angler holds up a huge largemouth bass in front of a WDFW regional office.
Photo by WDFW
Bill Evans with the state record for largemouth bass in 2016

Here's how to verify your catch:

  1. Only fishes classified as food fish (WAC 220-300-370) and game fish (WAC 220-300-380) may be submitted as a potential sport fish record.
  2. First and foremost, DO NOT FREEZE your fish.
  3. The most important step is to get the fish weighed as soon as possible on a certified scale.
  4. Obtain the signatures of the scale operator and one other witness to the weighing.
  5. Next, take the fish to a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife office for verification.  To ensure that there is someone available to verify the fish, please call to make an appointment.
  6. Download the sportfish record application (PDF).

See a map and list of area and district fish biologists (PDF) who can complete the verification for freshwater fishes.

To complete the verification for marine fishes, contact the main office, Region 4 office, or Region 6 office. 

You can also pick an application package up in person from a WDFW regional office near you.

Select any filter and click on Show Records to see results