And the state's pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, lake sturgeon and Atlantic Salmon records were among the many set in the '90s. Some experts predict more records will fall soon. The 8-pound smallmouth record from 1940 may be within reach, possibly from Rainy Lake or the St. Louis River. Chip Leer, a Leech Lake musky guide, said there's no doubt state record fish are alive and swimming in the fertile lakes around Cass and Hubbard counties. It may take a while, but if Lake Superior's native lake trout continue to recover, and if lamprey continue to be kept in check, the 44-pound state record could fall.
Big fish keep surprising anglers.
I saw a smallmouth on Lake Mille Lacs last year that I know was close to 10 pounds. I've caught some 8-pound bass and this was definitely bigger than that. So they are out there,'' said Babe Winkelman, host of the nation's most popular television fishing show and a Nisswa resident. We've really hurt the big pike over the last 40 years. Payer said people doing walleye population surveys report bigger walleyes out there but regulations prevent the big females from being caught at their peak weight.