This Giant Trout Took Two Hands to Hold and It Set a New Idaho State Record

For most anglers, rainbow trout are a fairly forgettable catch—with a few noteworthy exceptions. A recent rainbow trout caught in Idaho is far from forgettable, as its size just set a new record.

This particular fish was caught by Todd Phillips of Fruitland at Dworshak Reservoir near Orofino on January 13th, 2026, and it’s significant for a number of reasons. In fact, it became Idaho’s new certified-weight state record for rainbow trout, edging out the previous record by only a fraction. Just how large was this fish? How large are rainbow trout in general? And is this location known for producing big trout?

Here’s what Idaho’s Fish and Wildlife agency confirms about the catch, as well as how typical rainbow trout sizes compare. Let’s reel in a big one now.

The Exact Size of the Record-Breaking Trout

Idaho Fish and Game reports the trout in question weighed 20.03 pounds, surpassing the former record held by a mere 0.03 pounds. According to the same report, the fish is described as one that “takes two hands to hold up.” If you’re an avid trout angler, this is likely a shocking statement, since trout are rarely this large.

The state’s public record table adds the fish’s measurements as well, listing the record-breaking rainbow as 33.5 inches long with a 23.75-inch girth, which makes it clear this was a thick-bodied fish, not just a long one.

Where Was This Record-Breaking Trout Caught?

According to reports, the fish came from the Dworshak Reservoir, near Orofino in north-central Idaho. It should come as no surprise to local anglers, as Dworshak has a strong reputation for producing quality fish—ones that regularly surpass records.

In a Dworshak Reservoir fisheries forecast published by Idaho Fish and Game, the agency notes that catchable-sized rainbow trout are stocked from May through October at Dent Acres, and that these fish “distribute well throughout the reservoir” after wintering in the system. This ensures that rainbows can become a strong fall and early winter fishing option when other bites slow down. The record-breaker was caught in January, showing that trout are always a good option in Dworshak.

What Regular Rainbow Trout Sizes Look Like

In Idaho in particular, the Fish and Game department has described the average rainbow trout as roughly 10 to 14 inches and about a pound, with trophy rainbows often closer to 20 inches and several pounds. When compared to 33.5 inches and 20.03 pounds, it becomes obvious why this trout made headlines in both local and national news outlets.

While some rainbow trout records are based on overall length, this one is also about mass. Records suggest that the previous winning fish was longer than this 20-pounder, but not as thick as the 23.75-inch girth of the new champion. That extra depth and thickness is how a fish can win the weight record, even when another trout might surpass it by an inch or two in length. It was a massive fish in multiple ways!

What Made This Trout Catching Day Special

Idaho’s Fish and Game reports that Todd Phillips was fishing during clear moments in rough winter storms and describes him as “taking advantage of some breaks in the cloudy weather.” This catch might have been a lucky one because of Phillips’ flexibility and willingness to fish on a day when not many others were fishing.

Other reports suggest that he was targeting rainbow trout specifically, likely using bait tailored for them to increase his chances. He also battled the fish for several minutes before landing it, proving just how large it truly was. Now, Phillips’ catch remains in Idaho’s record books, and it seems unlikely that it will be surpassed anytime soon. However, that may not be the case, given the reservoir the fish came from.

What This Trout Suggests About Dworshak’s Potential

A 20-pound rainbow trout is an outlier in just about every state, but it rarely appears in a vacuum. A reservoir that consistently produces rainbows worth chasing—managed with regular stocking and seasonal distribution in mind—is the kind of place where a fish can keep growing until it becomes someone’s new record.

Fish and Game’s own Dworshak forecast describes rainbows as an “opportunity not to be overlooked,” and makes it easy for anglers to take advantage by detailing where they’re stocked and where they tend to spread. This is likely why anglers keep showing up year after year. It’s easy to fish, and the trout are potentially giants!

Bigger Fish May Be On the Horizon

This record rainbow trout is sure to remain in Idaho’s record books for some time. Twenty pounds is highly abnormal for trout—a size most anglers only encounter in stories or tall tales.

Phillips caught it on Dworshak during a normal winter outing that turned extraordinary, and we wish him all the best in his future angling endeavors. Though he may never top a catch as impressive as this one!