The Little Kanawha River has produced three fish of state record size. State records are kept for the largest length and weight of a given species. All three of these state records have reigned for over 30 years.

First is a Buffalo caught by Hobert Null. This member of the carp family was 41 inches long and weighed 38 pounds. The year of the catch was 1976.

Next is L.L. McClung with a 52-inch, 70-lb. flathead catfish. It was caught in 1956. I have heard the fish was caught near the Wood-Wirt county line.

Last is a freshwater drum caught by Bill Dawkins in 1954. The fish was 37 inches long and weighed 25 lbs. Many locals call the freshwater drum a white perch or sheepshead.

Of significant interest is that the only river in West Virginia to produce more state records than the Little Kanawha is the Kanawha River. Who knows, maybe a state record size fish could currently be swimming in the Little Kanawha River.

 Enjoy the outdoors. The days are slowly getting shorter. Please send fish photos to coryboothe@verizon.net for publication in the Chronicle.

Editor’s Note: Cory is the son of Ronzel and Karen Boothe of Russett. He is a 1996 graduate of Calhoun County High School and is a teacher at Meadow Bridge Elementary, Fayette County. He resides near Summersville.)