There’s a new bullhead in town — and it’s almost an inch bigger than the fish it surpassed.
Josh Delong of Idaho made a little fishing history Sept. 5 when he landed a 17-inch bullhead catfish at Lake Cascade, establishing a new Idaho catch-and-release state record for the species.
Delong’s fish narrowly edged out the previous record of 16.25 inches, caught by Chris Webber in June 2025. That means the new record-holder is bigger by just three-quarters of an inch — but when you’re talking state records, every inch counts.
Idaho Fish and Game’s Catch-and-Release Record Program recognizes anglers who catch qualifying fish and release them alive. The program gives anglers an opportunity to pursue state-record fish while allowing those fish to swim away and, perhaps, give someone else a memorable fishing story someday.
Bullhead catfish may not always get the same attention as Idaho’s trout, salmon, or bass, but they can provide plenty of fun for anglers. Delong’s 17-inch bullhead now sits at the top of the leaderboard, although if history is any indication, it may not stay there for long. After all, the previous record lasted only about 15 months.
So, anglers, consider this your challenge: 17 inches is the number to beat.
Visit Fish and Game’s State Record Fish Program for information on eligibility requirements and how to submit a record application. And check out this fun episode of the Fish and Game podcast for an inside look into the record fish program and how you might land one.