Angler Breaks Pennsylvania Channel Catfish Record

A record-setting 36-pound catch in the Mon River marks the first new state record in over three decades.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Fishing

Screen-print poster illustration showing a fishing rod on a rocky riverbank and the silhouette of a catfish, evoking Pennsylvania state record history. — Dave Taylor set a new Pennsylvania state record after catching a 36-pound channel catfish in the Mon River this October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

In October 2026, Dave Taylor caught a 36-pound, two-ounce channel catfish in the Mon River. This catch officially establishes a new Pennsylvania state record, surpassing the previous benchmark set in 1991 by nine ounces.

Why it matters

This significant catch highlights the presence of large trophy fish in Pennsylvania waterways and resets a state record that had stood unchallenged for 35 years.

The record-breaking channel catfish weighed 36 pounds and two ounces, besting the 1991 record by nine ounces. The catch was verified through certification by two bait shops and a conservation officer.

The players

Dave Taylor

He is the angler who successfully landed the state-record channel catfish during a tournament.

The details

Dave Taylor secured the record during a fishing tournament, with officials confirming the weight before he released the fish back into the Mon River. The process required multi-party verification to ensure accuracy for state record keeping.

The previous state record for channel catfish was set in 1991.
The new record catch took place in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This achievement marks a significant update to the 1991 Pennsylvania state channel catfish record. The event highlights how long-standing environmental benchmarks in state angling history are susceptible to being surpassed by modern tournament participants.

For local anglers, this record proves that trophy-sized fish are active and reachable in the Mon River. The successful release of the fish also emphasizes the current focus on catch-and-release practices among competitive Pennsylvania fishers.

The takeaway

This record shows that patience and participation in local tournaments can yield historically significant results for dedicated anglers. Maintaining proper documentation remains essential for those hoping to have their own notable catches officially recognized by state agencies.