By the way, the NDGF dept has a great website where you can check on Whopper catches over the years. Go here:
http://gf.nd.gov/fishing/other-fishing-information/whopper-clubcatch-and-release-club
Scroll down and you’ll see Whopper Club/Catch And Release Data Search.
If you click on that, you get a box where you can search for any fish species or any year or any lake, etc. Do a search for ZANDER and you’ll find that only 3 Whopper Zander (8 lbs or larger) have been caught. They were in 2007, 2012, and 2013. I’ve seen reports of a 6.6 pounder in 2006, and a 12 pounder (not certified) in 2008, and many others. Seems that there is a nice population in the lake, and they are elusive. Put them on your Bucket List!!javascript:void(0)

The easiest way to know is: check the Minnesota DNR website; all state record fish are listed. You can find this for most states.

Zander are definitely in Spiritwood Lake; and are a challenge. Game & Fish usually find a couple of 2 yr olds annually in their net checks of the lake; and in 2012 another 8 pounder was caught. My son and 2 friends pulled in a new state record in mid July this year (2013) at 11 pounds, 3 ounces…32 inches long. They look amazingly like walleye. I think it’s a great challenge for anyone wanting to catch North American Zander…ya gotta come to Jamestown ND and fish Spiritwood Lake!