Devlin Rich of Williamsville caught a 10-pound, 9-ounce fish from Wappapello Lake.

Wappapello Lake, MO - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates Devlin Rich of Williamsville for catching a new state record spotted gar. Rich was fishing with a pole-and-line at Wappapello Lake Feb. 25 when he reeled in the 10-pound, 9-ounce fish. His catch is not only the latest Missouri state record, but it beats the current spotted gar world record of 9-pounds, 12-ounces set back in 1994.

Spotted gar is rather common and widely distributed in the Bootheel lowlands of southeastern Missouri.

“Because of the hard, bony jaws, gars are seldom taken on hook-and-line and are rarely used for food,” noted MDC Fisheries Programs Specialist Andrew Branson. “Special techniques are required to capture them consistently with rod-and-reel, but they do provide a ready target for the bow hunter because they often bask near the surface of the water.”

Gars are generally associated with warm, sluggish backwaters. They frequently rise to the water’s surface, opening and closing their jaws with a loud snap, then sinking below. This behavior allows them to swallow air into their swim bladder, which allows it to function much like a lung. This adaptation helps them survive in still or slow waters with relatively low oxygen levels.

MDC staff verified Rich’s record-breaking catch on a certified scale in Williamsville. This is the second state record caught in 2021.

Missouri state record fish are recognized in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods. Alternative methods include: throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery, and atlatl.

Black carp is one of the few fish species listed on Missouri’s Prohibited Species list.

An Osage County man got a surprise last week after catching a 112-pound invasive black carp from the Osage River. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has listed black carp on the Prohibited Species List – a list of species that may not be imported, exported, transported, sold, purchased, or possessed alive in Missouri without written approval of the director.

Jesse Hughes of Bonnots Mill was originally catfishing with friends March 4 when he hooked into the fish.

“We hooked into it and knew it was something big, but I originally thought it was a catfish,” Hughes recalled. “It was the first I’d heard of a black carp. I didn’t know anything about it, so this has been quite the learning experience.”

According to MDC, black carp are an invasive fish from Asia that eat mussels and snails. The fish damage populations of native mollusks, many of which are critically endangered. There is a strong possibility the species is becoming established, with breeding populations, on our continent.

Black carp have been found in the Mississippi River system, including the Osage River, where in 1994 about 30 reportedly escaped from a fish farm during a high-water event and entered that river.

Most of the black carp in the United States were introduced to control problematic snail populations in commercial fisheries, and these individuals are presumably sterile. Yet fertile individuals can be present, too. Given that black carp can live for 15 years, even the sterile individuals can present a serious long-term problem for native mollusk populations.

“If anglers happen to catch black carp, or any invasive fish, while fishing in Missouri waters, it’s imperative to contact their local conservation agent,” explained MDC Fisheries Programs Specialist Andrew Branson. “That way, our Fisheries staff can be notified and monitor the spread of these destructive species.”

The black carp caught by Hughes is currently being studied by the United States Geological Survey.

“It’s a little disappointing, as I don’t think I’ll ever catch a fish that big again,” joked Hughes. “But at least it’s one less invasive fish in Missouri waters.”

Black carp appear similar to the common grass carp, but the black carp is darker, though not truly black, and some report the adult black carp have a relatively narrower snout. It also has large pharyngeal teeth, or throat teeth, that resemble human molars. These teeth are used to crush the shells of mollusk and prey.

Otter Slough Conservation Area COVID Red Level

Attention Waterfowl Hunters:

Because of COVID-19 positives, the draw facility being closed, and staffing shortages because of being in quarantine, the managed waterfowl hunt at Otter Slough will operate in the Red Level on November 19, 20, and 21. 

If you have drawn a reservation for the ADA Blind or the draw pools/blinds, go to this page to find your specific hunting location and maps and to print your required Daily Waterfowl Hunting Tag (Green Card): https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/waterfowl/waterfowl-managed-hunts/red-level-procedures-and-areas

Please note these details for COVID Red Level Waterfowl Drawings:

Hunters DO NOT need to show up at the Draw Time, they can simply go to their hunting location.

No staff-hunter contact.

No facility use.

100% reservation allocation for residents only through in-season draw.

Hunt positions will be pre-assigned.

No poor line or vacancy filling.

MDC has designated the following staff to answer questions hunters may have:

Statewide -- Joel Porath at 573-522-4115 ext. 3188

North Zone -- Chris Freeman at (660) 646-6122 or Craig Crisler at (660) 446-3371

Middle Zone -- Luke Wehmhoff at 573-624-5821 ext. 4662, Gary Calvert at 636-441-4554 ext. 4180

South Zone -- Joel Porath at 573-522-4115 ext. 3188