Fisherman pulls ‘monster’ catfish through the ice of premier Iowa lake, photo shows

Master Angler Gavin Campbell had quite the catch from an icy Iowa lake.

Using live minnow bait, fisherman Gavin Campbell pulled a “monster” flathead catfish through the ice of Lake Manawa on Jan. 31, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Officials say the fish is 40 inches long and weighed 34 pounds.

A photo of Campbell on the ice while holding his big catch as the sun set behind him was shared on the department’s Instagram page.

“If that guy holding it wasn’t so ugly that would be one hell of a picture,” Campbell replied.

“Hey now!” the department said in response. “Congrats on the catch!”

Campbell released the catfish back into the lake after taking the photo, officials say.

In Iowa, for a flathead catfish to count toward the Master Angler program, it must measure at least 35 inches long.

“Sponsored by the Iowa DNR, the Iowa Master Angler Award recognizes memorable-sized catches for more than 40 fish species,” officials say. Having now caught five species on the list that meet the minimum criteria, Campbell is considered a Silver Master Angler.

As a Master Angler, Campbell has also caught a bigmouth buffalo, bluegill, largemouth bass and shortnose gar, according to state records.

Lake Manawa is considered one of western Iowa’s “premier spots” for boating, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities.

“Crappie, bluegill, catfish, walleye and bass fish are waiting to be caught throughout the year,” according to the lake website.

This story was originally published February 11, 2022 at 12:53 PM with the headline "Fisherman pulls ‘monster’ catfish through the ice of premier Iowa lake, photo shows."