Battalion of DNR staffers declare a Minnesota record catch

Sturgeon
Photo credit © Kaye E | Dreamstime.com

You could tell by looking at it that it was one of the biggest fish ever caught in Minnesota.

Just to be certain, the DNR got all of their experts together to make sure

It’s official: Minnesota has a new state catch-and-release record lake sturgeon…6 1/2 feet long!Took five holes to fit through the ice. Story of Darren Troseth’s catch: https://t.co/1w4TSgsBEw #FishMN pic.twitter.com/AyOvnFUyca

— Minnesota Fishing (@mn_fish) February 25, 2019

At 6 1/2 feet, the fish caught Feb. 9 on the St. Croix River near Bayport is bigger than any other sturgeon caught in Minnesota waters.

The DNR certified the fish as a catch-and-release record on Monday, including it on their list of largest fish caught in the state.

Five fisheries staffers, two conservation officers and the state record certification official reviewed all of the documentation before the declaration was made.

RELATED: New walleye regs for Lake Mille Lacs

According to the DNR, anglers had to drill five holes in the ice to pull the fish out of the water.

“I’ve seen a lot of big sturgeon in my life, but I was stunned when I got a look at it,” said Darren Troseth, who receives credit for the record catch along with his fishing companion John Kimble.

After the fish was measured at 78 inches and photos were taken, it was returned to the river.