Largest Smallmouth Buffalo Fish Caught in Texas Breaks Record

A monumental catch was made at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, when a massive smallmouth buffalofish weighing over 70 pounds set a new state record. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced the record catch on Friday, September 6, via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

New record in the books

The fish, caught by Austin Anderson on June 10, weighed 70 pounds and measured 44 inches long. The massive catch now holds the record for the largest smallmouth trout ever caught on rod and reel in Texas waters. Although smallmouth trout can get even bigger (surveys show rod and reel catches of over 80 pounds), the heaviest ever caught on a trotline weighed 99 pounds, according to TPWD.

Understanding the Smallmouth Buffalo

Although they can sometimes be confused with common carp, smallmouth buffalofish can be distinguished in several ways. Unlike carp, buffalofish do not have prominent barrels and instead feature a downward-positioned, sucker-like mouth. Their coloration ranges from light brown to coppery hues, often with a greenish tint. Smallmouth buffalofish, unlike their largemouth cousins, feed primarily on insect larvae, algae, and sand found in river and lake beds.

A native species with a mysterious life history

Native to the Mississippi River’s largest tributaries, smallmouth buffalo inhabit streams from Montana to Pennsylvania and south to the Rio Grande. In Texas, these fish are common in large streams, rivers and reservoirs, though they are rarely seen in the Panhandle. Despite their range, the life cycle of smallmouth buffalo remains poorly understood. Spawning typically occurs in the spring when water temperatures rise to 60 to 65 degrees. Eggs are laid in muddy bottom areas and hatch in one to two weeks, continuing the cycle of these enigmatic giants.