Fish must be hooked in the mouth to be legally caught and qualify for state record status; anglers must immediately release foul-hooked fish. Game and Fish now has a four-week waiting period before certifying a record catch, Power said. That gives department staff time to follow up on any questions or concerns they might receive from the public. Jared Shypkoski of Dickinson, N.D., landed a 16-pound, 6-ounce walleye Saturday, March 13, on Lake Oahe that now is officially recognized as the state record for the species, topping the 15-pound, 13-ounce walleye Neal Leier of Bismarck caught in May 2018 on the Missouri River.