Beyond Trout: Idaho anglers set three state records for fish you never heard of

Idaho is famous for big trout, powerful bass, and trophy-sized sturgeon, but some of the state’s newest fishing records prove that memorable catches can come from fish that rarely make the cover of a fishing magazine. 

In August, Idaho anglers set new catch-and-release state records for lesser-known species, highlighting the surprising diversity of fishing opportunities found in waters across the state. From the Salmon River to Lake Coeur d’Alene and the South Fork Snake River, these record catches show that sometimes the most interesting fish are the ones anglers often overlook. 

Small fish, big record 

On Aug. 1, Neil Benoit of Salmon caught a 6.5-inch redside shiner on the Salmon River in Lemhi County, setting a new Idaho catch-and-release state record. The fish surpassed the previous 6-inch record held by Jon Urban, which was set on the Boise River in 2023. 

Redside shiners may be small, but they are one of Idaho's most colorful native minnows. Found in rivers, streams, and lakes across much of the state, they feed on aquatic insects and other small organisms while providing an important food source for larger fish, birds, and wildlife. During the breeding season, males develop bright reddish coloration that gives the species its name. 

A sucker for a good record 

Joe Levin of Austin, Texas, established a new Idaho catch-and-release state record for Utah sucker after landing a fish measuring 26 inches on the South Fork Snake River. Levin caught and released the record-setting sucker on Aug. 8 while fishing the renowned eastern Idaho river, surpassing the previous catch-and-release state record set by Rick Thompson in 2021 (which was a 25-inch Utah sucker, also from the South Fork Snake River).

Utah suckers are native fish that often receive less attention than Idaho's trout, but their size and strength can make them a surprisingly challenging catch. Like many native nongame fish, they also play an important role in healthy aquatic ecosystems. Sucker populations are beneficial to aquatic environments as they clean the habitat, process nutrients for other fish species, and provide a valuable prey item for other aquatic and terrestrial species. 

Over 60 species of suckers are found in the U.S. and Canada. Idaho is home to six different species of suckers, including largescale, longnose, green, Utah, mountain, and bridgelip.  While suckers are sometimes confused with carp, they are a different fish entirely. And, unlike carp, which were introduced from Europe in the mid 1800s, suckers are native to Idaho. 

Did you say “Tench”?  

In northern Idaho, Rylee Dragon of Rathdrum landed a fish that would turn plenty of heads — especially among anglers who know what a tench is. 

On Aug. 11, Rylee caught and released a 20.5-inch tench from Lake Coeur d’Alene, establishing a new Idaho catch-and-release state record. That fish was big enough to beat out the previous record of 19 inches set by Mike Nunemacher in 2020 — also from Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Tench are a freshwater fish native to Europe and western Asia that have been introduced to waters in parts of North America, including Idaho. A cousin to the common carp, they are from a different genus and known for their abilities to survive waters with very low dissolved oxygen. Recognized by their olive-green to golden coloration and small red eyes, tench can grow to impressive sizes and provide anglers with a unique fishing opportunity. 

Idaho's overlooked fishing opportunities 

Together, these three catches are a reminder that Idaho's fishing opportunities extend far beyond the species most commonly featured in fishing reports. Redside shiner, Utah sucker and Tench may not be the first fish anglers think of when planning a trip, but each offers its own challenge — and, as these anglers discovered, a chance at a state record. 

For anglers willing to try something different, Idaho's lesser-known fish can offer a new reason to explore familiar waters, sharpen fishing skills, and perhaps discover that the next record is swimming somewhere most people aren't looking.

Fish and Game's State Record Fish Program recognizes exceptional catches across a wide variety of species. Catch-and-release records are based on fish length, giving anglers an opportunity to pursue records while returning their catches to the water. 

Anglers can view current state records and learn how to submit a potential record on Fish and Game's website. 

Interested in landing a record fish? Check out the catch-and-release and certified weight records and see how to apply.  And be sure to listen to this podcast episode to learn more about Idaho’s state record fish program.