Angler Shoots Massive Flathead Catfish, Sets New Michigan Record

Codie Carlson of Newport set out for a casual bowfishing trip in Monroe County's Plum Creek on June 29, 2025. What did he come home with? Oh, just a 64.46-pound, 45-inch flathead catfish—and a brand new Michigan state record.

RELATED: Largest Fish Caught in Michigan: 58 Species Record Catches

The Record-Breaking Catch

Carlson, speaking with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is a self-declared 'fishaholic.' His goal was shooting a catfish for dinner; instead, he speared a beast that could double as a weighted blanket.

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From 2022 to 2025: Reclaiming the Title

This wasn't just any fish—it beat the previous record of 53.35 pounds set back in 2022 on the St. Joseph River by an Indiana native, Lloyd Tanner. That's right, Michigan has reclaimed the flathead catfish crown from a Hossier. Cue the celebratory toast of Faygo Red Pop.

A Fish With History

Even more mind-blowing is that DNR biologist John Buszkiewicz believes this very same fish may have been caught back in 2020 during a fisheries survey. At the time, it was already a heavyweight at 55 pounds. So yes, this fish has been doing its squats and drinking protein shakes for five years straight and has put on an additional 10 pounds.

To snag the official state record, it's not enough to post a proud pic on Facebook or have it weighed at your local tackle shop. The first must be weighed on a certified commercial scale, beat the previous weight record, and be verified by a DNR fisheries biologist—which Carlson's definitely was.

Related: Michigan DNR Invasive Species Watchlist: Northern Snakehead

Curious if you landed a state record? Keep scrolling for all 58 species record catches in the State of Michigan and see how massive these trophy fish are.