Discover the 10 Largest Fish Ever Caught in Idaho

Idaho is an incredibly exciting state for anglers. From the mighty Snake River to its many massive lakes, Idaho offers an abundance of opportunities to catch fish. Idaho anglers hold some impressive records for large fish. This article explores the 10 largest fish ever caught in Idaho, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

1. Brown Trout – 27.31 lbs.

Brown trout are native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, but they are introduced around the world. They can be caught year-round in most of Idaho. The largest brown trout ever caught in Idaho weighed 27.31 pounds. It was caught at Ashton Reservoir by Wes Case on November 6, 2007. Ashton Reservoir is on Henry’s Fork, a tributary of the Snake River in eastern Idaho.

2. Bull Trout – 32 lbs.

Bull trout are native to northwestern North America. They live in cold water, preferring deep lakes and mountain headwaters. The largest brown trout ever caught in Idaho weighed 32 pounds. Nelson Higgins caught it at the beautiful Pend Oreille Lake in 1949. Pend Oreille Lake, located in the panhandle region of northern Idaho, is Idaho’s deepest lake.

3. Channel Catfish – 32.9 lbs.

Channel catfish are native to North America. The largest channel catfish ever caught in Idaho weighed 32.9 pounds. Cody Kastner caught it at C.J. Strike Reservoir on June 16, 2022. C.J. Strike Reservoir is on the Snake River in southwestern Idaho.

4. Chinook Salmon – 54 lbs.

Chinook salmon is one of the seven Pacific salmon species. They are native to the northern Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. The largest chinook salmon ever caught in Idaho weighed 54 pounds. Merrold Gold caught it at the Salmon River in 1956. The Salmon River is in central Idaho.

5. Flathead Catfish – 58.5 lbs.

Flathead catfish are native to North America. The largest flathead catfish ever caught in Idaho weighed 58.5 pounds. J. Newberry and K. McCormick caught this big fish at Brownlee Reservoir on August 23, 1994. Brownlee Reservoir is in western Idaho, on the Oregon border.

6. Largemouth Bass – 10.94 lbs.

Largemouth bass are native to North America. The largest largemouth bass ever caught in Idaho weighed 10.94 lbs. It was caught at Anderson Lake by Mary Alice Hurt Taylor on October 22, 1948. Anderson Lake is in northern Idaho.

7. Rainbow Trout – 20 lbs.

Rainbow trout are native to the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. The largest rainbow trout ever caught in Idaho weighed 20 pounds. It was caught at the Snake River by Michelle Larsen-Williams on July 29, 2009.

8. Smallmouth Bass – 9.72 lbs.

Smallmouth bass are native to eastern North America. The largest smallmouth bass ever caught in Idaho weighed 9.72 pounds. It was caught at Dworshak Reservoir by Dan Steigers on October 28, 2006. Dworshak Reservoir is on the Clearwater River in northern Idaho.

9. Tiger Muskellunge – 44.25 lbs.

Tiger muskellunge are native to North America. The largest tiger muskellunge ever caught in Idaho weighed 44.25 pounds. It was caught at Little Payette Lake by Edward Kalinowski on August 6, 2013. Little Payette Lake is in central Idaho.

10. Walleye – 17.88 lbs.

Walleye are native to North America. The largest walleye ever caught in Idaho weighed 17.88 pounds. It was caught at Oakley Reservoir by Damon Rush on September 10, 2011. Oakley Reservoir is on Goose Creek in southern Idaho.

Summary of the 10 Biggest Trophy Fish Ever Caught in Idaho

Here’s a recap of the 10 largest, record-breaking fish of different species ever caught in Idaho:

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