The summer of fish records continues with Moore angler’s alpine trophy

Just when you thought the Idaho fish record books didn’t have any blank pages left, one adventurous angler from Moore, Idaho caught (and released) one of Idaho’s most coveted alpine fish back on June 20. 

Like many of us during the dog days of summer, angler Wade Jensen grabbed his collapsible fly rod and headed high into the mountains for a weekend of alpine fishing. Alpine lakes aren’t necessarily known for producing abnormalities in the size department, but can offer venturesome fishermen and fisherwomen a smorgasbord of species, from tiger trout to golden trout. 

But high atop every mountain angler’s bucket list is the fabled Arctic grayling — a chromatic, alpine phantom that looks like it had a mountain whitefish and Florida sailfish for parents. And Jensen was in the heart of their country. 

While stripping in his fly at Fishpole Lake, Jensen witnessed a pronounced gulp just above the water’s surface, set the hook, and fought to reel in what might’ve just been any other alpine lake fish. But after netting the fish and noticing its characteristic large dorsal fin, Jensen knew he had a special fish on the end of his line. 

But upon measuring the Arctic grayling with a tape measure — stretching 16.7 inches — it was clear Wade Jensen would be flirting with the record books once he got back to civilization and bringing with him a moment he would remember forever. 

Congratulations to Wade on his new Idaho state catch-and-release record Arctic grayling! 

For those adventurous anglers that don’t mind a hike, Idaho’s backcountry alpine lakes offer a wide variety of angling options. While not originally native to Idaho, Arctic grayling are one of several species stocked in high elevation alpine lakes. Want to know where to look for grayling in Idaho? 

Fish and Game’s Idaho Fishing Planner is a great way to search and filter lakes by various species to see where you should start. 

More About Idaho’s State Record Fish

Thinking about chasing a state record fish? Check out the state record fish page for more information.

How to Apply for a Catch-and-Release Record

All applicants must submit a complete Record Fish Application Form, with accompanying photographs. This form can be completed online or downloaded from our website.

• Fish must be released alive. (See tips on safely releasing fish in the Fishing Rules booklet.)
• Steelhead, ocean-run salmon, bull trout, and white sturgeon submitted for records must be measured and photographed in the water.
• Catch-and-release records are based only on the total length (snout to tip of tail) for fish released alive.
• Fish must be photographed directly next to a ruler/tape or an object of known verifiable length.
• New catch-and-release white sturgeon records must be broken by a minimum of 2 inches.
• Catch-and-release records for all other species must be broken by a minimum of ½ inch.
• Fish within ¼ inch of the current record will be recognized as a tied record.
• All applications must be submitted within 30 days of the catch date.

How to Apply for Certified Weight Records

Records will be awarded for either fish caught by angling (rod/reel) or by archery/spearfish for legal unprotected nongame species. Archery/spear fishing records will be listed separately and identified by the angler on the application form. No records will be awarded for fish caught during salvage seasons or at private pay-to-fish facilities.

NOTE: Idaho Fish and Game now provides certified scales for weighing potential records at the Panhandle, Clearwater, Nampa, Headquarters (Boise), Jerome, and Pocatello regional offices.