The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) recently reported two anglers achieved state-record catches for black crappie at Woodrum Lake in Jackson County.

Governor Jim Justice expressed his excitement over the accomplishment. “I’m thrilled to celebrate this unprecedented fishing achievement and hope these new benchmarks inspire anglers from all over to come and explore West Virginia’s world-class fishing opportunities,” he said.

On the morning of August 8, Lindell Marker of Sod, West Virginia, caught a 17.36-inch black crappie at 7:30 a.m., surpassing the previous length record of 17.32 inches set by Craig Webb at Woodrum Lake. Marker’s catch also tied the existing weight record of 2.85 pounds, also held by Webb. An hour and fifteen minutes later, at 8:45 a.m., Dwight Priestley of Alum Creek, West Virginia, caught a 17.76-inch, 3.15-pound black crappie. His catch broke Marker’s records and set new records for both length and weight. Both fish were certified by WVDNR Fisheries Biologist Cory Hartman. The record-breaking crappies were caught using live minnows.

“These new records are a testament to the incredible fishing opportunities at Woodrum Lake,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “We are thrilled to celebrate these outstanding achievements by Lindell Marker and Dwight Priestley. Their catches not only set new benchmarks but also highlight the quality of our state’s fisheries.”

So far in 2024, the WVDNR has reported eight record-breaking catches. These include a record-breaking channel catfish in Wayne County in July, record-breaking black crappie and redear sunfish at Woodrum Lake in Jackson County and Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County in June, and a record-breaking redbreast sunfish and tiger trout at New Creek Lake in Grant County in February. For more information about state fish records, visit WVdnr.gov/state-records.

All anglers 15 and older must have a West Virginia fishing license, available online at WVfish.com. A trout stamp is required for trout fishing. Anglers are encouraged to enhance their fishing experience by opting for a physical license card when purchasing their 2024 fishing license.