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Idaho Fish and Game

Guidelines for Catch and Release Records

Only fish caught in publicly-accessible waters with legal fishing methods during an open season are eligible for State Records. All applicants must have a valid Idaho fishing license at the time the fish was caught. No records will be awarded for fish caught during salvage seasons or at private pay-to-fish facilities.

Total length graphic / Fish artwork © Joseph R. Tomelleri, All rights reserved
General Guidelines
  • 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 from snout to tip of tail. Measure the total length from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail, with lobes of tail squeezed together.
  • Fish must be photographed directly next to a ruler/tape or an object of known verifiable length (such as the fishing rules booklet).
  • At least one photo of the angler with the fish.
  • At least one witness to the measurement and release.
  • White Sturgeon records must be broken by a minimum of 2 inches.
  • Records for all other species must be broken by a minimum of ½ inch.
  • All applications must be submitted within 30 days of the catch date.
White Sturgeon
How to Apply
All applicants must submit:
  • A completed Record Fish Application Form, which includes the legal signature of one witness to the measurement and release.
  • At least one photo of the fish with the angler and 2 or 3 of the measuring process.