North Dakota Angler Reels in New State Record Whitefish After 40 Years
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Bismarck, ND – After more than four decades, North Dakota has a new state record holder for whitefish. Lonnie Liebel of Riverdale, North Dakota, landed a massive 9-pound, 2-ounce whitefish on Monday, June 2, in the Garrison Dam Tailrace on the Missouri River. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department officially announced the record-breaking catch on Monday, June 23. Liebel’s whitefish measured an impressive 25 inches in length.
The previous record was held by Bill Mitzel of Bismarck, known for his work with Dakota Country magazine. Mitzel’s whitefish, weighing 8 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 27 inches, was caught in March 1984, also in the Garrison Dam Tailrace.
A History of Record-Breaking Fish in North Dakota
Liebel’s whitefish marks the first confirmed state record fish in North Dakota this year. Other recent notable catches include Daniel Wegener‘s state record bullhead caught on Devils Lake Sept. 27, 2024, and Tyler Hughes‘s record-tying paddlefish snagged near the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers confluence on May 3, 2024 [[SOURCE]].
The walleye record has also seen recent changes. In May 2018, Neal Leier of Bismarck caught a 15-pound, 13-ounce walleye on the Missouri River, breaking a nearly 59-year-old record. However, that record was surpassed less than three years later.
Walleye Record Shattered in 2021
Jared Shypkoski of Dickinson set the current state record for walleye on March 13, 2021, with a 16-pound, 6-ounce catch from the Missouri River. This record remains unbroken [[SOURCE]].
Did You Know? The Missouri River is a prime location for record-breaking fish in North Dakota,with several state records being set there.
North Dakota State Record Fish: A Timeline of recent Events
| Species | Weight | Angler | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitefish | 9 lbs, 2 oz | Lonnie Liebel | garrison Dam Tailrace, Missouri River | June 2, 2025 |
| Bullhead | N/A | Daniel Wegener | Devils Lake | Sept. 27, 2024 |
| Paddlefish | 131 lbs | Tyler Hughes | Missouri/Yellowstone Rivers Confluence | May 3, 2024 |
| Walleye | 16 lbs, 6 oz | Jared Shypkoski | Missouri River | March 13, 2021 |
Pro Tip: Check the North Dakota game and Fish Department website for the most up-to-date list of state record fish.
A complete listing of North Dakota state record fish is available on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov/fishing/record-fish [[SOURCE]].
What are your favorite fishing spots in North Dakota? what other state records do you think will be broken this year?
The Allure of Whitefish and North Dakota’s Fisheries
Whitefish are a popular sport fish known for their mild flavor and delicate texture. They thrive in cold, clear waters, making North Dakota’s rivers and lakes ideal habitats. The state’s Game and Fish Department actively manages these fisheries to ensure enduring populations and opportunities for anglers. Record-breaking catches like Liebel’s highlight the success of these conservation efforts and the quality of North Dakota’s aquatic ecosystems.
North Dakota’s commitment to fisheries management includes habitat restoration, stocking programs, and regulations designed to protect vulnerable species. These efforts not only benefit anglers but also contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of the state’s waterways.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Record fish
- What is the new North Dakota state record for whitefish?
- The new state record whitefish weighs 9 pounds, 2 ounces, caught by Lonnie Liebel on June 2, 2025.
- Where was the record-breaking whitefish caught?
- the whitefish was caught in the Garrison Dam Tailrace on the Missouri River.
- Who held the previous North Dakota state record for whitefish?
- Bill Mitzel held the previous record with an 8-pound, 11-ounce whitefish caught in 1984.
- When was the current North Dakota state record walleye caught?
- The current state record walleye was caught on March 13, 2021, by Jared Shypkoski.
- What is the weight of the current North Dakota state record walleye?
- The current state record walleye weighs 16 pounds, 6 ounces.
- Where can I find a complete list of North Dakota state record fish?
- A complete list is available on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov/fishing/record-fish.
