walleye-2

MANDAN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A record walleye caught earlier this year in North Dakota was done so against the rules.

Tom Volk of Lincoln, ND caught a 16 pound 9-ounce Walleye along the shore of the Heart River in Mandan on Sunday, April 21st.

“[We] have completed an investigation into the 16-pound, 9-ounce walleye taken April 21 from the Heart River, and based on evidence provided, department officials have concluded the fish was foul-hooked, and therefore cannot be recognized as a state record,” the Game & Fish Department reports.

To qualify as a state record, a fish must be harvested in accordance with rules for recreational fishing.

The fish would have broken the record of Neal Leier of Bismarck. Leier holds the record after he caught his Walleye on the Missouri River in May of 2018.

Anglers can visit the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov, to see a complete list of state record fish requirements.