Guidelines for Certified Weight 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. 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. No records will be awarded for fish caught with nets or traps.
Records will be maintained for each eligible species for the following methods of capture:
- Rod/reel: The heaviest fish of a qualifying species caught by any legal method of rod/reel fishing.
- Archery/spear fishing: The heaviest fish of a qualifying species (unprotected, non-game fish only) taken by archery or spear fishing. These will be listed separately and identified by the angler on the application form.
General Guidelines
- Certified Weight Records are based on the weight of the fish as determined by a certified scale.
- A receipt from the certified scale documenting the weight is required.
- Only fish that can be legally harvested are eligible for Certified Weight Records.
- In the case of tied records, both will be listed in order of catch date.
- All applications must be submitted within 30 days of the catch date.
- Fish and Game staff will review new applications within 30 days of receipt and may investigate, verify and will reject any application or award granted if deemed questionable.
How to Apply
All applicants must submit a complete Record Fish Application Form, accompanying photographs, and certified weight receipt (if applicable) to Idaho Fish and Game. This form can be completed online, or downloaded from the Fish and Game website.
Certified Weight Records require the following:
- A completed Record Fish Application Form, which includes the legal signature of one witness to the weight.
- A receipt from a certified scale documenting the weight.
- Verification of species and by Idaho Fish and Game.
- At least one photo of the fish.
- At least one photo of the angler with the fish.
- At least one witness to the weight.