Minnesota DNR announces changes to record fish program

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File photo of a black crappie fish. (Photo by John Patriquin/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced new opportunities for Minnesotans to catch state record fish.

Starting Friday, Minnesota anglers get catch-and-release records for 18 additional species from the four that are already recognized, the DNR said in a press release Thursday.

The DNR says they are making the change after the increased popularity of catch-and-release fishing and to raise the profile of native rough fish. The DNR will have three categories for recording fish: historical weight records, catch-and-release documented by photos and certified weight documented. Certified weight can be documented by keeping the fish and weighing it on a state-certified scale.

Fish species available for certified weight records:

Black crappie
Bluegill
Brown bullhead
Channel catfish
Common carp
Flathead catfish
Lake trout
Northern pike
Smallmouth bass
Walleye
Yellow perch

According to the DNR, Minnesotans can apply for a certified weight record for yellow bass because the fish has increased its presence and popularity, especially in south central Minnesota.

"Angler stories and photos of the huge fish caught from Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams generate major excitement," said Mandy Erickson, fisheries program consultant. "We also hope the buzz around some of these records brings more attention to native rough fish, which, besides being fun to catch, are important to aquatic ecosystems."

For more information on the changes, click here.