John Tyler Rutherford (left) and his father are all smiles as they pose for the camera with
John’s 46.7-pound state-record channel catfish, one of the biggest caught anywhere
in North America in recent years. (Photo courtesy of WVDNR)
Channel Cat Record Tops 46 Pounds
West Virginia DNR
Gigantic channel cat establishes new West Virginia record.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced August 1 that an angler from Wayne caught a state-record channel catfish, marking the sixth state record catch of 2024 so far.
“West Virginia’s incredible fishing opportunities continue to amaze and attract anglers from near and far, and this record-breaking achievement showcases the world-class fishing adventures our state has to offer,” said Gov. Jim Justice.
John Tyler Rutherford caught the 43.51-inch, 46.7-pound channel catfish in his father’s farm pond in Wayne County on July 21, breaking the length record set in 2022 and the weight record set in 2023. Both records previously were held by Alan Burkett of Moorefield in Hardy County who caught his fish at South Mill Creek Lake in Grant County.
“I want to congratulate John Tyler Rutherford on his outstanding catch,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion “This remarkable achievement highlights the superior quality of West Virginia’s fisheries and the dedication of our team in maintaining and enhancing these aquatic resources.”
Rutherford enticed the big channel cat using worms for bait. WVDNR District Fishery Biologist Jeff Hansbarger and Assistant Fishery Biologist Jake Whalen traveled to the site to measure and weigh the record fish.
