Two Monster Fish Caught in Upstate New York Break Records

Two New York men have set new records after catching monster fish.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the first record-breaking catches of 2025. One fish was so big that it beat the previous winner by 13 ounces, the other snapped a 16-year record that no one thought would ever be beaten.

Record Channel Catfish Caught in New York State

Dylan Kampnich from Dexter, New York was fishing on May 3 when he reeled in a record catfish. According to the DEC, the fish was a whopping 37 pounds and 9 ounces. Kampnich was fishing in Black River Bay in Jefferson County when he caught the channel catfish, which is the largest species of catfish found in New York State.

The new record replaces one set by Bailey Williams in 2022. That fish weighed 35 lbs, 12 oz and was also caught in the Black River Bay. The body of water is a popular spot for catching catfish, with many anglers visiting the area in May and June when the fish spawn.

According to the DEC, channel catfish are bottom feeders who are usually more active at night. While the fish are easy to attract using live bait, they can be challenging to reel in. After being hooked, channel catfish are fighters, offering a high level of difficulty.

Record Fallfish Caught in New York State

On May 13, another angler set a record in the St. Lawrence River. Alex Pidhorodeckyj caught a record-breaking fallfish weighing 4 lbs, 1 oz. The fallfish is the largest minnow species and is primarily found in the northeast.

Pidhorodeckyj's catch topped a record fish caught in the Susquehanna River 16 years ago. The new record fish is almost half a pound bigger than the one reeled in by Jonathan McNamara near Owego in 2009.