By: Emily Watson
Angler Michael Wherley has recently set a new state-record for the heaviest catfish ever caught in Pennsylvania. On May 14, Wherley was fishing for flathead catfish on the Susquehanna River with his friend, Walter “Tommy” Clark, when he caught a 66-pound, 6-ounce flathead catfish. The previous record was set in May 2020 when a catfish weighing 56 pounds, 3 ounces was reeled in by an angler along the Schuylkill River.
Wherley, who has been fishing for flathead catfish on the Susquehanna River for 15 years, said he knew of the previous record-holder. He was “really glad” that the fish was released back into the river after being weighed and verified by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Wherley believes that there are even bigger fish to be caught in the river.
According to guidelines, the fish must be legally caught from the water in question and identified as the correct species before being weighed on an authorized scale. After he caught the fish, Wherley towed it back to the boat ramp, loaded it into his truck, and drove it to the nearest state-certified scale. The catch was verified and measured by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Wildlife Officer Jeff Schmidt. After the necessary paperwork was done, Wherley returned the fish to the Susquehanna River.
Flathead catfish are not native to the Susquehanna River but have established themselves throughout the broader Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission praised the catch as a “rare and extraordinary moment for Pennsylvania fishing” and said the catch underscored the value of catch-and-release fishing and the importance of healthy aquatic ecosystems.
According to Matt Musselman, owner of Columbia Bait and Tackle in the vicinity, he weighed the flathead and is waiting for the information to be verified by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission before filing for a state record.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has phased out its Biggest Fish of the Year program in favor of other ways to recognize anglers’ achievements in a more timely manner. The commission is interested in hearing fishermen’s stories about interesting times on the water, and fishermen can email photos to the agency at ra-fbsocial1@pa.gov for consideration. The State-Record Fish program, which requires the catch to be certified by commission staff, will continue.
In conclusion, Pennsylvania angler Michael Wherley has made history with his 66-pound, 6-ounce flathead catfish catch, breaking the previous state record by 10 pounds. This rare and extraordinary moment has set the bar high and shown the value of catch-and-release fishing, championing the importance of healthy aquatic ecosystems.
