Add this one to the record books, literally.
Jeff Van Remortel, a fishing guide from Hazelhurst, Wisconsin, caught and released a 56-inch-long musky in June. The fish set a record in Wisconsin, according to the Department of Natural Resources, beating the previous stat by 2.5 inches.
The DNR maintains records of the largest fish caught in Wisconsin across three categories: Live release (length only), hook and line (length and weight), and alternate methods like spear and cross bow (length and weight).
To verify a new record, anglers must fill out an application with a photo and information about their catch. It’s a serious process — they swear under oath the data is true and have a notary public sign it.
As of September 2025, here are the top five largest fish by length under each category, according to the DNR.
Live release record fish in Wisconsin
Hook and line record fish in Wisconsin
Alternate method record fish in Wisconsin
Paul Smith of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 56-inch musky sets new state record. What are the other largest fish records in Wisconsin?
Reporting by Hope Karnopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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