Committee advances bill to protect ‘trophy catfish’ from commercial transport
February 05, 2026 | 2026 Legislature KY, Kentucky
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A House committee on Feb. 5 gave a favorable recommendation to House Bill 397, a measure intended to protect so‑called "trophy catfish" by restricting commercial transport of live fish 35 inches or longer.
Rep. DJ Johnson (13th District) presented the bill and its committee substitute, which changes penalties for violations from felonies to class A misdemeanors and requires $500 restitution per violation payable to Fish and Wildlife. Johnson said the chief conservation concern is that trophy catfish — large, breeding individuals that can take 15–20 years to reach trophy size and may grow as large as 100 pounds — are being removed from rivers, placed in commercial lakes, and often survive only weeks or months in that environment.
Nick Hart, a registered lobbyist for the Kentucky Waterways Alliance and an angler, told the committee the conservation community supports the bill because the breeders are essential to sustaining fish populations in the wild. "Removing these fish ... these are the breeders," Hart said.
Members asked whether the bill would affect local festivals and whether it applies statewide. Rep. Johnson said the bill does not affect personal, noncommercial catches, tournament transport, or festivals such as the Butler County Catfish Festival, and that the restriction is statewide when it comes to transporting live trophy catfish for commercial purposes.
A narrow licensing issue for the Lower Ohio River was also discussed; the substitute sets a deadline for holders of special permits in that area to apply for the standard commercial license that others must use.
The committee approved the substitute and the chair announced HB 397 "does pass with favorable expression" and will move to the House floor. Representative Smith asked to "explain my vote" and said he would "pass today" to seek additional constituent input before floor action.
Next steps: HB 397 advances to the House floor with the committee substitute attached.
Rep. DJ Johnson (13th District) presented the bill and its committee substitute, which changes penalties for violations from felonies to class A misdemeanors and requires $500 restitution per violation payable to Fish and Wildlife. Johnson said the chief conservation concern is that trophy catfish — large, breeding individuals that can take 15–20 years to reach trophy size and may grow as large as 100 pounds — are being removed from rivers, placed in commercial lakes, and often survive only weeks or months in that environment.
Nick Hart, a registered lobbyist for the Kentucky Waterways Alliance and an angler, told the committee the conservation community supports the bill because the breeders are essential to sustaining fish populations in the wild. "Removing these fish ... these are the breeders," Hart said.
Members asked whether the bill would affect local festivals and whether it applies statewide. Rep. Johnson said the bill does not affect personal, noncommercial catches, tournament transport, or festivals such as the Butler County Catfish Festival, and that the restriction is statewide when it comes to transporting live trophy catfish for commercial purposes.
A narrow licensing issue for the Lower Ohio River was also discussed; the substitute sets a deadline for holders of special permits in that area to apply for the standard commercial license that others must use.
The committee approved the substitute and the chair announced HB 397 "does pass with favorable expression" and will move to the House floor. Representative Smith asked to "explain my vote" and said he would "pass today" to seek additional constituent input before floor action.
Next steps: HB 397 advances to the House floor with the committee substitute attached.
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