Tennessee Fishing Records: Check the Official State Record Before You Claim a New One
Find Tennessee’s biggest recorded bass, catfish, crappie, trout and other fish. Compare the actual record weight, see where it was caught, and learn how to protect a potential record with a certified scale, witnesses and TWRA fisheries verification.
Where to Find the Official Tennessee Fishing Record List
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) maintains the authoritative Fishing Records & Awards page. Its tables identify the fish species, record weight, waterbody, angler and catch date. The list separates rod-and-line angling records from records taken using other legally recognized methods.
- Open TWRA’s official State Fishing Records page.
Select the complete state-record listing rather than relying on an old fishing forum or social media screenshot.
- Find the fish group.
Look under black bass, true bass, trout, crappie, catfish, perch, pike, sunfish, carp or the other species categories.
- Check Class A or Class B.
The method used to catch the fish determines which record classification is relevant.
- Compare the exact recorded weight.
Record entries are published in pounds and ounces. Read any fractional ounces carefully.
- Confirm the catch location and date.
Use the most recent agency entry before treating any fish as a potential new record.
Tennessee’s Largemouth Bass Record Changed in 2026
Darren Nunley caught the record largemouth bass from Nickajack Reservoir on February 28, 2026.
TWRA officially confirmed the new mark in May 2026 following fisheries review and genetic testing.
What the fish replaced
Previous record: 15 lb 3 oz
Previous angler: Gabe Keen
Waterbody: Chickamauga Reservoir
Date: February 13, 2015
The older Chickamauga fish remains historically important but is no longer Tennessee’s largemouth bass record.
Official announcement: TWRA Confirms New Largemouth Bass Fishing Record, May 11, 2026.
Tennessee State Record Fish: Search by Species or Waterbody
These selected Class A (angling) records come from TWRA’s published record tables. Search a species, reservoir, river or angler, or narrow the results by fish group. For species not shown here and for any newer updates, use the complete live TWRA list.
| Fish species | Official weight | Waterbody | Angler | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | 15 lb 7.5 oz | Nickajack Reservoir | Darren Nunley | Feb. 28, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 11 lb 15 oz | Dale Hollow Reservoir | D. L. Hayes | July 9, 1955 |
| Spotted bass | 6 lb 1 oz | Chickamauga Reservoir | Chris Coleman | Feb. 22, 2011 |
| Striped bass | 65 lb 6 oz | Cordell Hull Reservoir | Ralph H. Dallas | May 1, 2000 |
| Cherokee bass (hybrid) | 23 lb 3 oz | Stones River | Ray Pelfrey | Apr. 17, 1998 |
| White bass | 5 lb 10 oz | Mississippi River | Bill Nelson | Sept. 29, 2003 |
| Brown trout | 28 lb 12 oz | Clinch River | Greg Ensor | Aug. 30, 1988 |
| Rainbow trout | 18 lb 8 oz | Pond, Polk County | John H. Morgan III | June 17, 2016 |
| Brook trout | 4 lb 12 oz | Caney Fork River | Saša Krezić | Apr. 1, 2016 |
| Cutthroat trout | 6 lb 9 oz | Fort Patrick Henry / Boone tailwater | Charles Donald Fulton | June 28, 2024 |
| Lake trout | 22 lb 2 oz | Watauga Reservoir | Jack Forbes | July 3, 2008 |
| Black crappie | 5 lb 7 oz | Private pond, Loudon County | Lionel Ferguson | May 15, 2018 |
| White crappie | 5 lb 1 oz | Garner Brown’s Pond, Dickson County | Bill Allen | Apr. 20, 1968 |
| Bluegill | 3 lb (tie) | Farm pond, Bledsoe County | Brad Pendergrass | Dec. 19, 1987 |
| Yellow perch | 2 lb 5 oz | Ocoee #3 Lake | Jeremy Gary Lorenz | Mar. 26, 2019 |
| Walleye | 25 lb | Old Hickory Reservoir | Mabry Harper | Aug. 3, 1960 |
| Sauger | 7 lb 6 oz | Kentucky Reservoir / Pickwick tailwater | Rayford D. Voss | Feb. 19, 1973 |
| Blue catfish | 122 lb 3 oz | Barkley Reservoir | Micka Burkhart | June 28, 2023 |
| Flathead catfish | 85 lb 15 oz | Hiwassee River | Larry Kaylor | July 25, 1993 |
| Channel catfish | 41 lb | Fall Creek Falls Lake | Clint Walters Jr. | July 30, 1982 |
| Muskellunge | 43 lb 14 oz | Melton Hill Reservoir | Steven Paul | Mar. 2, 2017 |
| Freshwater drum | 54 lb 8 oz | Nickajack Reservoir | Benny Hull | Apr. 20, 1972 |
| Paddlefish | 149 lb | Cherokee Reservoir | Henry Dyer | Apr. 13, 2023 |
Showing 23 selected Class A records.
Class A vs Class B: Why Tennessee Has Separate Fishing Records
Angling Records
Class A covers the traditional sport-angling record category, including rod-and-reel or other qualifying angling methods.
- Common bass, trout, crappie and catfish records.
- The record weight is compared against other Class A fish of the same recognized species.
- Standard state-record certification requirements apply.
Other Recognized Fishing Methods
Class B covers specified other methods identified on TWRA’s record application and listings.
- Examples include trotline, limbline, jug, archery, gigging and certain commercial gear.
- Species and allowed methods must qualify under the current program and fishing regulations.
- A Class B fish is not automatically a Class A record.
TWRA recognizes only two hybrid categories for record consideration: Cherokee bass (striped bass × white bass) and saugeye (walleye × sauger). Identification of a possible hybrid is subject to the certifying biologist’s professional assessment.
How Much Heavier Must a Fish Be to Break a Tennessee Record?
TWRA accepts ties for acknowledgment, but a new state record is recognized only when the new fish weighs at least one full ounce more than the previous record in the applicable species and class.
10 lb 0 oz
10 lb 0 oz
10 lb 1 oz
Illustrative example only. The existing and threshold weights shown here do not represent a specific Tennessee species.
How to Submit a Tennessee State Record Fish: The Correct Sequence
When you have a possible state-record fish, the immediate priorities are species identification, lawful possession, certified weight and proper witnesses. These should come before social media announcements.
-
Confirm that your catch was legal.
Check license and species coverage, season, fishing method, location restrictions and applicable harvest rules. TWRA makes the final certification decision.
-
Check the current TWRA record for that exact species and class.
Do not rely on a prior-year record image. Look for the latest agency entry and identify the relevant Class A or B category.
-
Contact a TWRA fisheries biologist immediately.
TWRA requires positive physical species identification. The fish must remain alive, fresh or frozen until the biologist can establish identity. A photograph is not enough.
-
Arrange an official certified weighing.
Use a scale certified or legal for trade. Possibilities include supermarket meat departments and suitable farm/feed or shipping locations, but first verify that the particular scale qualifies and can accommodate the fish.
-
Have two witnesses observe the weight.
One must be the scale operator or owner. Both sign Part B of the state-record application and provide the requested contact details.
-
Record the exact catch information.
Note catch date/time, exact waterbody and county, weight in pounds/ounces, fishing method, rod, reel, line strength, lure or bait, and your TWRA customer identification.
-
Have TWRA fisheries staff complete the species verification.
Part C of the application is for the TWRA fisheries biologist or manager. The agency may request genetic testing to resolve species or hybrid identity.
-
Submit the completed record application within 30 days.
Forward it to the TWRA Fisheries Management Division at the address in the official application. Retain your own copy and use a traceable delivery method if mailing.
What to Fill Out on the Tennessee State Record Fish Application
The official TWRA State Record Fish Application is a two-page PDF. Its sections are divided between the angler, weight witnesses, the biologist and TWRA’s internal approval staff.
Applicant
Your name, contact information, TWRA ID, species, weight, waterbody, catch date/time, tackle and Class A/B selection.
Two witnesses
Scale operator/owner and a second witness attest to the measured weight and supply names, signatures and contact information.
TWRA biologist
Species and scientific-name verification, measured length and girth, inspection findings and biologist signature.
Agency review
TWRA Fisheries Division records receipt, review, genetic test information if used, approval or rejection and final certification.
Who to Call When You Believe You Have a Record Fish
TWRA Fisheries Management Division: 615-781-6575
The state-record application identifies TWRA Fisheries Management Division at 5107 Edmondson Pike, Nashville, TN 37211. The regional fisheries staff may be better positioned to arrange in-person identification near your catch location.
West Tennessee — Region I
731-423-5725
200 Lowell Thomas Drive
Jackson, TN 38301
Middle Tennessee — Region II
615-781-6622
Nashville-area regional fisheries assistance
Cumberland Plateau — Region III
931-484-9571
464 Industrial Boulevard
Crossville, TN 38555
East Tennessee — Region IV
423-587-7037
3030 Wildlife Way
Morristown, TN 37814
For account, license, or general TWRA contact questions rather than record certification, use our Tennessee Fishing License Customer Service guide.
Why a Very Large Fish May Still Fail Tennessee Record Certification
Ordinary hand scale
A handheld fishing scale may estimate weight accurately but does not satisfy the certified or legal-for-trade scale requirement by itself.
Photographs only
Photos can document a catch, but TWRA requires a biologist’s positive physical species identification for a state record.
Missing witnesses
Both required witnesses must observe the weighing, and one must operate or own the qualifying scale.
Wrong record class
A fish taken by a non-angling method cannot simply be compared against the Class A rod-and-line category.
Species uncertainty
Similar-looking bass, hybrids, suckers and other species can require expert identification or genetic work.
Late application
TWRA requires the completed application to reach the Fisheries Division within 30 days of the catch.
Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP): Trophy Fish Without a State Record
A fish does not have to beat the statewide weight record to receive official TWRA recognition. The Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP) awards certificates for qualifying fish measured by length.
Weight-Based Certification
- Compares the fish against the state’s official record weight.
- Certified weighing and two witnesses required.
- Biologist must physically verify species.
- Application deadline: 30 days.
- Submission may result in the fish’s death.
Length-Based Recognition
- Fish must meet a published minimum trophy length.
- Length may be verified by a qualifying witness or photograph.
- Designed to encourage catch-and-release.
- Application deadline: 90 days.
- $5 processing fee per trophy fish application.
TWRA reported that TARP reached its 10,000th submitted entry in April 2026. The milestone fish was a 21.5-inch sauger caught by Beverly Miller on the Cumberland River in Smith County and released after measurement.
Does Your Fish Meet Tennessee’s TARP Trophy Length?
Select a species and enter the fish’s measured length in inches. This tool compares it with TWRA’s published minimum TARP lengths; it does not certify your fish or determine whether its capture complied with regulations.
Choose a species, enter its length and select Check Trophy Length.
The official TARP form and TWRA staff determine acceptance. A fish must have been caught legally by qualifying sportfishing methods, and the required evidence must accompany the application.
How to Photograph a Trophy Fish for TARP
Use a flat measuring surface
Place the fish flat on or beside a readable measuring rule or tape, with the measurement visible in a single clear image.
Include the entire fish
Photograph the full fish beside the measurement. A picture of only the angler holding a fish is not sufficient length evidence.
Record the catch details
Keep species, length, waterbody, county, date, angler’s name and TWRA identification number when required.
How to Submit a Tennessee Trophy Fish for Recognition
- Check your species’ official TARP minimum length.
Use the current TWRA qualifying-length chart rather than the weight-record listing.
- Verify the fish was caught legally.
TARP requires fish caught in Tennessee waters by qualifying sportfishing methods, using rod and reel or cane pole.
- Document the length.
Use a witness who completes the application or a photograph showing the fish flat against a measuring rule.
- Download the TARP Trophy Fish Application.
Find the form from TWRA’s official Tennessee Angler Recognition Program page. Complete one form for each individual fish.
- Include the required processing fee.
TWRA lists a $5 nonrefundable fee per Trophy Fish application, payable by check or money order to TWRA.
- Mail within 90 days of the catch.
Use the mailing address printed on the official application and include the photograph when photo verification is used.
For residents, visitors and youth who need to confirm their fishing privileges, see the Tennessee fishing license guide. For the latest basic license and trout-pricing options, use our Tennessee fishing license cost guide.
What Comes After a TARP Trophy Certificate?
TWRA’s recognition program encourages anglers to document qualifying fish across different species, not simply repeat the same trophy measurement.
| Recognition | Qualifying achievements | TWRA award |
|---|---|---|
| Trophy Fish Certificate | One qualifying trophy fish meeting its species length. | Species certificate; $5 processing fee. |
| Master Angler I | Five trophy fish, in any species combination. | Certificate and patch. |
| Master Angler II | Five different qualifying trophy species. | Certificate and patch. |
| Master Angler III | Ten different qualifying trophy species. | Certificate, patch and listed partner gift-card benefit. |
| Master Angler IV | Fifteen different qualifying trophy species. | Certificate, patch and trophy. |
| Master Angler V | Twenty different qualifying trophy species. | Certificate, patch and engraved plaque. |
Which Tennessee Waters Have Produced Notable State Records?
The location of a historical record can help you understand which Tennessee fisheries have produced exceptional fish, but it is not a prediction that another record will be caught there. Habitat, stocking, forage, fish populations and regulations change over time.
World-record smallmouth
Its 11 lb 15 oz smallmouth from 1955 remains one of Tennessee’s most famous fish records. TWRA also identifies smallmouth bass as the state’s official sport fish.
New largemouth record
The 2026 largemouth record came from Nickajack Reservoir. The reservoir also appears in TWRA’s freshwater drum records.
Major bass history
Chickamauga produced Tennessee’s previous 15 lb 3 oz largemouth record and the official spotted bass record.
Brown trout record
Greg Ensor’s 28 lb 12 oz brown trout from 1988 remains in the current TWRA Class A table.
Blue catfish record
The TWRA Class A blue catfish record weighed 122 lb 3 oz and was caught in 2023.
Muskellunge record
Steven Paul’s 43 lb 14 oz muskellunge was caught here in March 2017.
Keep This Information Before You Leave the Water
If You Believe You Have a New State Record
- Species and catch method
- Exact waterbody, county and date/time
- Current record weight for the correct class
- TWRA fisheries biologist contact
- Certified or legal-for-trade scale
- Two weighing witnesses, including scale operator/owner
- Original license/TWRA ID
- Completed application within 30 days
If You Want a TARP Trophy Certificate
- Species and minimum TARP length
- Accurate length measurement
- Photo with flat ruler/tape or witness verification
- Waterbody, date and county
- Fishing license/TWRA number when required
- One trophy application per fish
- $5 fee per application
- Mail application within 90 days
If your electronic fishing license or TWRA customer number is missing, our Tennessee fishing license on-phone proof guide explains how to recover and display the official license.
Official Tennessee Record Fish Sources
These links lead to the actual state records, agency application forms and award requirements. Each source has a different purpose.
Tennessee Fishing Records FAQs
Where can I find the official Tennessee state record fish list?
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency publishes its official state fishing records on its Fishing Records & Awards page. You can search the Class A and Class B tables by species to view the fish’s weight, catch location, angler and date.
What is the Tennessee state record largemouth bass?
The TWRA-confirmed largemouth bass record is 15 pounds, 7.5 ounces, caught by Darren Nunley in Nickajack Reservoir on February 28, 2026. TWRA announced confirmation on May 11, 2026.
What is Tennessee’s state record smallmouth bass?
The official smallmouth bass record is 11 pounds, 15 ounces, caught by D. L. Hayes at Dale Hollow Reservoir on July 9, 1955. TWRA identifies the fish as both the Tennessee and world record.
What is the difference between Class A and Class B fishing records?
Class A covers angling records. Class B covers other recognized methods, including certain lines, archery and commercial methods. The fish must be compared against the correct class and species record.
How much heavier must a fish be to break a Tennessee state record?
TWRA may acknowledge a tie, but a new record must be at least one ounce heavier than the existing record for the applicable species or recognized hybrid and record class.
Can I use a photograph to prove a Tennessee state record fish?
No. Photographs alone do not satisfy TWRA’s state-record species identification requirement. A TWRA fisheries biologist must physically verify the species, and the fish must remain alive, fresh or frozen until that examination can be completed.
How long do I have to submit a Tennessee state record fish application?
The completed Tennessee State Record Fish Application must be forwarded to the TWRA Fisheries Management Division within 30 days of the catch. The fish also needs qualifying certified-scale weighing, witnesses and agency species verification.
Can I release a trophy fish and still receive Tennessee recognition?
Yes, the Tennessee Angler Recognition Program is designed to support length-based trophy recognition and catch-and-release. It is separate from state-record weight certification and can accept qualifying length evidence from a witness or photograph.
How much does a Tennessee TARP Trophy Fish application cost?
TWRA lists a $5 processing fee for each Trophy Fish application. The application must be mailed within 90 days of the catch, with the required length evidence and the fee.
Who should I contact about a potential Tennessee state record fish?
Contact a TWRA fisheries biologist immediately. The TWRA Fisheries Management Division can be reached at 615-781-6575, and regional TWRA offices can help route requests for species verification.
Check the Record, Then Choose the Right Recognition Path
Use the official TWRA record table for the current weight, compare the correct fish class, and contact a fisheries biologist immediately if you may have beaten the record. If your fish is a trophy by length but not a state record, the TARP program may offer a more conservation-friendly recognition route.
TennesseeFishingLicense.website is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. TWRA makes final decisions about record certification, species identity, qualifying catches and award applications. Official regulations and program instructions control.