(UNDATED) – The Department of Natural Resources recently announced winners of the 2020 Fish of the Year contest.
In all, 51 awards were given to 42 different anglers for their top catches. For a full listing of winners, visit the Fish of the Year Winners website.
Winners in local waterways include:
- Spotted bass, 14. 8 inches, caught in Lake Monroe by Michael Sturgill
- Bluegill, 10.5 inches, caught in Glendale FWA, by Dennis Thompson
- Striped bass, 40.3 inches, caught in Hardy Lake by Mason Neece
- Golden Shiner, 10.3 inches, caught in Glendale FWA by Blake Thompson
- River Redhorse, 29 inches, caught in East Fork of White River, by Robert Lee
For those of you looking to participate this year, some minor rule changes are being implemented. A picture clearly showing the measurement of the fish being entered is now required, and a witness is no longer needed. This change allows anglers who fish alone to catch, measure, and release fish without the added hassle of finding a witness or extra stress on the fish from being unnecessarily transported.
Find a full summary of program rules, an online entry form, and listings of Fish of the Year Winners and state record fish on the DNR website.
Mark you calendar for this year’s four Free Fishing Days are May 2, June 5-6, and Sept. 25. Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout stamp to fish in public waters on these days. Free Fishing Days are a great opportunity to give fishing a try.
