In the tranquil waters of the Plam Creek River, flowing through Monroe County, local fisherman Cody Carlson recently made history in the state of Michigan. On June 29th, armed only with a bow and a passion for fishing, Carlson caught a flathead catfish that turned out to be a true giant: weighing 64.46 pounds and measuring 45 inches in length. This catch has been officially recognized as a new state record, surpassing the previous record of 2022 set by an angler from Indiana, whose catfish weighed 53.35 pounds.
“I just wanted to catch something for dinner, maybe a channel catfish,” admits Carlson, a resident of Newport who proudly calls himself a “true fishing enthusiast.” “But when I saw that it was a flathead catfish, I knew it was something special.” His modesty contrasts with the scale of his achievement, which has garnered attention not only from local anglers but also from biologists at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
According to DNR data, Carlson’s fish not only broke the record but may also have a unique history. Biologists speculate that this same catfish could have been caught five years ago in the same area. Back then, it weighed 55 pounds and measured 43 inches. “This demonstrates how rich and vibrant the Plam Creek ecosystem is,” notes DNR biologist Emilia Thornton. “This fish is a true veteran of our waters.”
Carlson, whose enthusiasm for fishing borders on obsession, had not planned to set records. However, his catch has become part of a broader trend in Michigan, where anglers in recent years are increasingly setting state records. Last year, Scott Smith from Adrian set a new record by catching a white bass weighing 2 pounds 5.92 ounces in Lake St. Clair, surpassing the previous record set in 2015. These achievements highlight Michigan’s reputation as a mecca for anglers, where scenic lakes and rivers conceal real giants.
For Carlson, this catch is not just a personal triumph but also a reminder that nature can surprise even the most experienced. “I just love being on the water,” he says with a smile. “But now I know there’s more to Plam Creek than just dinner.”
While Carlson celebrates his record, the local fishing community is already buzzing with rumors about the next giant lurking in Michigan’s depths. And for the rest of the world, his story is yet another testament to how one person’s passion can reveal unexpected treasures of nature.
