In August 2026, angler Benjamin Smith of Thatcher, Idaho, caught a new Idaho catch-and-release state record brown trout from the Bear River in Franklin County.
Smith’s catch barely beats the recent record set by Caroline Langdale by 0.5 inches, who caught an Idaho state record (catch and release) brown trout on the South Fork Snake River only a few months prior in May 2026.
The only thing more surprising than a brown trout over 30 inches is how quickly the previous record fell. Given how rare a fish of this class is for Idaho, most anglers should have expected the previous record to stand for quite a while.
While the Bear River in southeastern Idaho is best known for its native cutthroat trout, the area is also home to some quality options for both rainbow and brown trout fishing.
South Fork Snake River Brown Trout
Although not native to Idaho’s waters, brown trout offer exciting fishing opportunities. Brown trout are recognizable by their yellowish bodies, spots, and long, angular faces.
One of the best places to fish for brown trout in Idaho is the South Fork Snake River. While brown trout over 30 inches in the South Fork Snake River are exceptionally rare, they do exist.
Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) fisheries surveys captured a 33-inch brown in 2016 and another 33-inch fish as recently as 2024. This is mainly based on electrofishing, however.
According to fish survey data on the South Fork Snake River, biologists have recorded measurements of over 57,600 brown trout dating back all the way to 1986.
In all those years, surveys have documented only four brown trout over 30 inches. In other words, of all the brown trout captured during surveys, only 0.007% ever exceed 30 inches.
Idaho Catch-and-Release State Record Fish Program
To apply for a Catch-and-Release Record, applicants must submit a complete Record Fish Application Form, with accompanying photographs. The form can be completed online or downloaded from the IDFG website.
Fish must be released alive. (See tips on safely releasing fish in the Fishing Rules booklet.)
Steelhead, ocean-run salmon, bull trout, and white sturgeon submitted for records must be measured and photographed in the water.
Catch-and-release records are based only on the total length (snout to tip of tail) for fish released alive.
Fish must be photographed directly next to a ruler/tape or an object of known verifiable length.
New catch-and-release white sturgeon records must be broken by a minimum of 2 inches.
Catch-and-release records for all other species must be broken by a minimum of ½ inch.
Fish within ¼ inch of the current record will be recognized as a tied record.
All applications must be submitted within 30 days of the catch date.
Idaho Certified Weight Records
Records will be awarded for either fish caught by angling (rod/reel) or by archery/spearfish for legal unprotected nongame species.
Archery/spear fishing records will be listed separately and identified by the angler on the application form.
No records will be awarded for fish caught during salvage seasons or at private pay-to-fish facilities.
NOTE: IDFG now provides certified scales for weighing potential records at the Panhandle, Clearwater, Nampa, Headquarters (Boise), Jerome, and Pocatello regional offices.
source: Idaho Fish and Game
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