Wednesday, October 29, 2025
42.4 F
Beckley
More

    Reedsville man catches state record chain pickerel

    A West Virginia man caught a 27.87-inch, four-pound chain pickerel on Oct. 13 at Upper Deckers Lake near Reedsville, West Virginia, in Preston County—a state record, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

    Angler Matt Born, of Reedsville, used an in-line spinner to catch the trophy fish, which is a state record in length only. The previous record was a 27.75-inch fish caught by Steven Demma at Tuckahoe Lake, near White Sulphur Springs, in Greenbrier County, in 2001.

    The Chain Pickerel (Esox niger) is a species of freshwater fish in the pike family. It has a distinctively dark, chain-like pattern on its greenish sides. It may reach up to 30 inches long on rare occasions. The average size for chain pickerel, however, is 24 inches and three pounds. The average chain pickerel caught by fishermen is under two pounds.

    Anglers who believe they may have caught a state record fish should check the current records in the fishing regulations at . Procedures for reporting a record catch also are included in the regulations.


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Will Reedy
    Will Reedyhttp://wvexplorer.com
    A consummate outdoorsman, Will Reedy has been hunting and fishing West Virginia since he was first able to wield rod and gun. He has been an outdoors writer for West Virginia Explorer since 2001.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    At 50 years, West Virginia University celebrates its ground-breaking PRT system

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The familiar hum of the gold...

    The Pumpkin—a West Virginia tradition steeped in lore

    FLAT TOP, W.Va. — With the exception of corn,...

    Here are 20 things that make wild, wonderful West Virginia famous

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From the peaks of the Allegheny...

    Topics

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    The Pumpkin—a West Virginia tradition steeped in lore

    FLAT TOP, W.Va. — With the exception of corn,...

    Here are 20 things that make wild, wonderful West Virginia famous

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From the peaks of the Allegheny...

    West Virginia University insect tracker says light pollution threatens rare fireflies

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While rare “synchronous fireflies” are becoming...

    West Virginia University expert shares tips to keep fall mums blooming longer

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The brilliant colors of chrysanthemums, or...

    Horror film shot in West Virginia, ‘Self Help’ to hit theaters nationwide on Halloween

    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A horror-thriller filmed in Huntington in...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories