Nebraska Angler Makes History: Lands Massive 118-Pound Iowa State Record Blue Catfish

Nebraska Angler Makes History: Lands Massive 118-Pound Iowa State Record Blue Catfish In an incredible feat of angling, a fisherman from Nebraska has officially shattered the Iowa state record for blue catfish. The monumental catch, weighing a staggering 118 pounds, was pulled from the waters of the Missouri River, etching the angler's name into the state's fishing history books and stunning the midwest fishing community. 🎣 The Record-Breaking Catch: Details of the Historic Fight The new Iowa record blue catfish was caught on Saturday, October 19, 2025, by Michael L. Myers of Nebraska City, Nebraska. Myers was fishing from the bank on the Iowa side of the Missouri River when the leviathan took his bait. The battle to land the colossal fish was intense and tested the angler's skill and endurance. After a grueling fight, Myers successfully brought the behemoth blue catfish to shore. Understanding the potential significance of his catch, he immediately took steps to ensure its preservation and official verification. ⚖️ By the Numbers: Official Weight and Dimensions of the Record Catfish The fish was transported for official weighing on certified scales, where its record-breaking status was confirmed. The measurements are nothing short of astounding and solidify its place at the top of Iowa's fishing records. Official Weight: 118 pounds Length: 56.5 inches Girth: 39.5 inches These dimensions easily surpass the previous Iowa state record for blue catfish, a 116-pound, 12-ounce giant caught from the same river in 2022. The new record now officially stands at a flat 118 pounds. 🗺️ A River of Giants: The Missouri River's Productive Waters The catch did not happen in a random location. The Missouri River has long been renowned as a premier destination for trophy blue catfish. Its deep channels, strong current, and abundant forage base create the perfect conditions for catfish to grow to immense sizes. This specific stretch of the river, bordering Iowa and Nebraska, has consistently produced giant catfish, making it a magnet for anglers seeking a record-breaking catch. This latest record confirms the river's status as a world-class blue catfish fishery. 📜 The Verification Process: Certifying a New Iowa State Record Catching a fish of this size is only the first step. To officially claim the Iowa state record, a rigorous verification process is required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The process for Myers' catch included: Weighing on a certified scale witnessed by a DNR official. Positive species identification by a DNR biologist as a blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus). A mandatory 30-day waiting period for the record to become official, allowing for public comment and final confirmation. 🎉 Celebrating a Milestone: What This Record Means for Anglers The landing of this 118-pound blue catfish is more than just a personal achievement for Michael L. Myers; it's a celebratory moment for the entire angling community. It highlights the incredible fishery available in Iowa's waters and inspires anglers of all ages. "This catch is a testament to the health of the Missouri River ecosystem and the quality of the fishing opportunities right here in Iowa," said a representative from the Iowa DNR. "It shows that with patience and skill, anglers can achieve something truly extraordinary." This new Iowa state record will undoubtedly draw more attention to the trophy catfishing potential the state has to offer.