CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Lincoln County fisherman has set a new state record for black crappie, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).
Jerry Porter of Harts, caught a 3.6-pound, 17.7-inch black crappie on May 7 at East Lynn Lake in Wayne County. He used a minnow-tipped jig and a 6-pound test line.
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The catch was officially verified by WVDNR assistant district fisheries biologist Jake Whalen.
The previous record weight for black crappie was 3.15 pounds, set in 2024 by Dwight Priestley of Alum Creek.
Priestley’s crappie, caught at Woodrum Lake, still holds the state record for length at 17.76 inches.
Black crappie was among five new species added to the state’s record program in 2024, and Porter’s fish is the fourth record established for the species.
His catch marks the third confirmed state record in 2025, joining an April redhorse sucker and redear sunfish.
Anglers can view the complete list of record fish on page 28 of the West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary, available at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations.
