Iowa Angler Breaks State Record with Massive Black Crappie

A new state record for black crappie has been established in Iowa by an angler during an ice fishing trip.

What happened

Micaiah Thompson, an angler from Greenfield, Iowa, caught a black crappie weighing 3.95 pounds on February 8 at Lake of Three Fires in Taylor County. This catch surpasses the previous state record of 3.88 pounds, which was set in 2013.

The record-breaking fish measured 17.8 inches in length. Under Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guidelines, a new record must exceed the previous one by at least one ounce. Thompson’s catch met this requirement and was confirmed by state officials.

Thompson was on the ice with his fishing partner, Dan Ginn, and five children from a church youth group. While the children focused on catching bluegills, Thompson and Ginn targeted walleyes. They were fishing along a tapering point in water depths ranging from 3 to 17 feet.

Using sonar, Thompson identified a deep brush pile and began jigging near it as evening approached. He initially spotted a large fish on his sonar, but it missed his lure. After switching to a green jig and minnow, he successfully hooked the crappie.

Why it matters

• This catch sets a new benchmark for black crappie fishing in Iowa.
• It highlights the importance of following state guidelines for record fish documentation.
• The event encourages local anglers to engage in ice fishing and explore state waters.

What to do next

• Anglers should report potential record catches to local conservation officers or fisheries biologists.
• Ensure proper documentation and weighing on a certified scale for any record attempts.

Source

Original reporting by www.outdoorhub.com: https://www.outdoorhub.com/news/2026/02/19/iowa-angler-sets-state-record-3-95-pound-black-crappie/