March 2, 2006

The Illinois River in northeast Oklahoma recently yielded a new state record river redhorse.

Monte Reid, of Locust Grove, took the 9-pound, 5-ounce, fish while bowfishing March 1, in the Illinois River in Cherokee County. The fish measured 28 5/8 inches long and is the new standard in the unrestricted (non rod and line) tackle division.

River redhorses are found in the eastern third of the state and inhabit areas with clear, flowing water such as rivers and streams. The fish is brown to gold in color and feeds on mollusks, insects and plant matter along the stream bottoms.

For a complete list of record fish and the procedures regarding state record fish consult the “2006 Oklahoma Fishing Guide.” If you think you may have hooked a record fish it is important that you weigh the fish on an Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture certified scale and the weight is verified by a Wildlife Department employee.

Check out the other Oklahoma State Bow Fishing Records