Benjamin Ferguson poses with his record-breaking catch. (Provided photo — New York state Department of Environmental Conservation)

The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced Wednesday a new state record brook trout.

Benjamin Ferguson, a dedicated brook trout angler from Lowville, caught a 22-inch fish weighing in at 6 lbs, 3 oz. from the St. Regis Canoe Area on July 5.

This edges out the previous record, set in 2013, by 3 ounces. The record-breaking fish was caught while slow trolling a Lake Clear Wabbler lure. The DEC did not specify which water body within the 18,400-acre preserve the “brookie” was caught in.

“This new state record brook trout is particularly special given our commitment to advancing the conservation of this iconic species,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a press release. “Benjamin Ferguson’s record-setting catch further highlights this unique resource, which only the Adirondacks can provide.”

Ferguson submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s newly revampedAngler Achievement Awards Program. That tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers who catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species.

Anglers with qualifying catches receive official recognition, along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement. The program’s three categories are: Angler Award, Youth Angler Award, and State Record. As part of the program revamp, anglers are able to submit entries for qualifying catches from a smartphone through an online entry form.For official program rules, eligible species and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit tinyurl.com/5n8m5fmd.