Massive 45-Pound Muskie Catch Sparks NY-NJ Border Debate

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A recent ice fishing expedition on Greenwood Lake, which straddles the New York-New Jersey border, has sparked an unexpected debate between the two states over a massive 45-pound muskie catch. The fish, measuring over 51 inches long, was landed by angler Victor Gelman on the New York side of the lake, but it could potentially break the existing record in New Jersey waters. This unique boundary water situation has left officials and anglers questioning which state can rightfully claim the new muskellunge record.

Why it matters

This story highlights the complexities that can arise when a record-breaking catch occurs in a border water, where state lines and regulations intersect. It showcases the passion and dedication of anglers, the importance of conservation efforts, and the need for clear guidelines and cooperation between states when it comes to managing shared natural resources.

The details

Victor Gelman, an angler from Warwick, New York, caught the massive 45-pound, 51.125-inch muskie after an eight-hour battle on Greenwood Lake. Recognizing the fish was deeply hooked and bleeding, Gelman made the decision to bring it to biologists for examination, ensuring its survival and allowing for scientific study. The fish was taken to the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery, where it was weighed on a certified scale. Gelman then donated the fish to the hatchery, allowing biologists to study its impressive growth and the factors that contributed to its size.

• The catch occurred during a recent ice fishing expedition on Greenwood Lake.
• The fish was brought to the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery for examination on April 10, 2026.

What’s next

Officials from New York and New Jersey are expected to meet in the coming weeks to discuss the record-breaking muskie catch and determine which state can rightfully claim the new muskellunge record.