Iowa biologists conducting a recent survey on the Missouri River hauled up a very pregnant flathead catfish that weighed 72.4 pounds before it was released.
The massive fish was less than nine pounds shy of the state-record catch of 81 pounds, set in 1958.
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A photo of the catfish was shared Tuesday via Facebook by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as a teaser for anglers who plan to get out on the water this weekend.
“This 49.5-inch, 72.4-pound flathead catfish is still out there, ready for you to catch Saturday on National Catfish Day!” the agency boasted. “Flathead catfish are native to Iowa. In June they usually begin spawning and can be found in surprisingly small streams.”
National Catfish Day is held annually on June 25 to “celebrate the value of farm-raised catfish” as table fare. For anglers, it’s just another excuse to go fishing.
The Facebook post generated 100 comments, mostly from people sharing images of giant catfish they’ve caught in Iowa waters.
