2009 Was a Banner Year for Big Fish in Michigan

Five new state record fish - highlighted by a world record brown trout - were among 1,433 fish entered in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment’s Master Angler Program in 2009.

State records were also broken for pumpkinseed, redear sunfish (twice) and Great Lakes muskellunge.

A 41.45-pound brown trout, caught by Thomas Healy of Rockford on the Manistee River on Sept. 9, has been certified as a world record by the International Game Fish Association.

Overall anglers entered 503 fish in the catch-and-keep category and 930 fish in the catch-and-release category, up from 430 and 871,respectively, in 2008.

The Master Angler Program recognizes anglers who catch fish that weigh more (catch and keep) or measure longer (catch and release) than established standards.

“Fishing was excellent in 2009 as evidenced by the large number of quality fish entered into our Master Angler Program,” said DNRE Fisheries Divisions Chief Kelley Smith. “This only reaffirms what we’ve long known - there’s world-class fishing in Michigan.”

For complete lists of Master Angler fish submitted in 2009, visit the DNRE Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing, and click on Angler Information. Anglers who think they may have a record fish may contact Barbara Dilts in the DNRE Fisheries Division at 517-373-2966.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations.