An Idaho angler has set a new state catch-and-release record for brown trout, breaking a record established just three months earlier.Benjamin Smith of ThatcherSkip to main content
Benjamin Smith of Thatcher, Idaho, holds the state record brown trout he caught Aug. 28, 2026, in the Bear River in Franklin County. Photo: Idaho Fish and Game
topics:
Idaho
Browntrout
Catch-and-release
Record
Idaho Fish and Game
Bear River
Benjamin Smith
Franklin County
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Idaho — An Idaho angler has set a new state catch-and-release record for brown trout, breaking a record established just three months earlier.
Benjamin Smith of Thatcher caught the record-breaking fish Aug. 28 in the Bear River in Franklin County, according to Idaho Fish and Game.
Smith’s trout measured more than 30 inches long, beating the previous record by half an inch. The earlier record was set in May by Caroline Langdale, who caught a brown trout in the South Fork Snake River.
Idaho Fish and Game’s catch-and-release record program recognizes anglers who catch qualifying fish and release them alive. Records are determined by measuring the fish from the tip of its snout to the end of its tail.
Anglers interested in submitting a record catch can find more information through Idaho Fish and Game’s State Record Fish Program.
“Local”
5
Victim in Kalispell shooting identified
4
Montana Tech, MSU team up to create 3D-printed replica of historic sculpture
7
Crews contain structure, grass fire near Ennis
5
Weather and baking science: How outside factors impact your kitchen