Bear River produces new Idaho catch-and-release state record brown trout

This summer’s hot streak of record fish continues to churn out some impressive catches. Congratulations to Benjamin Smith of Thatcher, Idaho, who made fishing history on Aug. 28 when he 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 a similarly huge 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.

Idaho Fish and Game’s Catch-and-Release Record Program recognizes anglers who catch qualifying fish and release them alive. Records are based on the fish’s total length, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail, allowing anglers to pursue a state record while giving their catch the opportunity to swim away.

Welcome to the Idaho record fish books, Benjamin Smith!

Think you can catch a record fish? Visit Idaho Fish and Game’s State Record Fish Program to learn more about current records and how to submit an application.