As a trout fishing expert, I’ve compiled the record-breaking rainbow trout catches state-by-state. Whether you're an angler chasing your own state record or simply fascinated by trout monsters, this guide delivers hard-earned history from reliable sources.
What Qualifies as a “State Record” Rainbow Trout?
State agencies typically certify records by weight (pounds and ounces) or length (inches), and each state fishery department maintains its own record list. For this roundup, I’ve included the heaviest or longest official catches for states with notable rainbow trout fisheries.
📍 West Virginia
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Record Fish: 19 lb 4 oz (33.11″)
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Caught by: Eric Files Sr.
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Year/Location: 2014, Berkeley County pond
📍 Virginia
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Record Fish: 14 lb 12 oz
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Caught by: Grant Bentz
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When/Where: June 9, 2024 – Spring Creek, wild-stocked en.wikipedia.org+2
📍 Maryland
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Record Fish: 17 lb 7 oz (17.44 lb)
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Caught by: Jean-Philippe Lartigue
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Date/Place: February 10, 2024 – Antietam Creek, Devil’s Backbone Park en.wikipedia.or
📍 Washington
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Record Fish: 25 lb 7.2 oz (25.45 lb), ~31.5″ length, 25″ girth
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Angler: Robert Halverson
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Caught: February 23, 2025 – Rufus Woods Lake (Columbia River)
📍 Idaho
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Weight Record: 20 lb rainbow (34.25″), Snake River – Michelle Larsen-Williams, July 29, 2009 en.wikipe
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Catch‑&‑Release Length Record: 31.25″ – Brett Jones, American Falls Reservoir, May 25, 2020
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Gerrard Strain Highlight: 36.5″ – Lake Pend Oreille, 1947 en.wikipedia.or
📍 Montana
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Record Fish: 33.1 lb (38.62″)
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Caught: Kootenai River, August 11, 1997 by Jack G. Housel Jr. en.wikipedia.
📍 Wisconsin
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Record Fish: 27 lb 2 oz (42.5″)
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Year/Location: 1997, Lake Michigan in Kewaunee County
📍 Texas
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Record Fish: 12.38 lb (25″)
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Caught by: Christine Saathoff
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Where/When: Guadalupe River, October 15, 2023 destinationontario.
Other States to Watch
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California: While its state‑record rainbow isn't in major state lists, note that California’s golden trout (a subspecies) have yielded wild specimens up to 10 lb in alpine lakes .
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Arkansas/Ark‑MO Border: Spring River in Arkansas offers strong brown and rainbow programs, but no giant rainbow records yet comparable to western states.
Why These Records Matter (and How They’re Verified)
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Stocking vs. Wild: Some are wild — like Virginia’s Spring Creek catch — others may come from wild-reared or hatchery-stocked rivers.
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Weight vs. Length: Many states prioritize weight, though some maintain length-based “catch-and-release” records.
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Fishery Management Insight: These trophy fish reflect habitat and fisheries health
🎣 SEO & Angler Takeaways
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Target the Big Ones: If you're after a state-record trout, research the current benchmark (e.g. 25 lb in WA, 33 lb in MT, 19 lb in WV).
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Prime Locations: Trophy potential rivers include Spring Creek (VA), Snake River & American Falls Reservoir (ID), Columbia River system (WA), Lake Michigan (WI).
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Timing & Methods: Many of these giants were caught outside of peak hatchery releases — check patterns for wild-stock feeding behavior and seasonal activity.
🧠 Expert Advice for Avid Anglers
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Know Your Record: Don’t fish blind—know the stretch and the number to beat.
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Fishing Ethics: Many states now honor catch‑and‑release too, so mark your leaderboards accordingly.
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Gear Counts: Monster trout often demand stout rods, heavy line, and large lures or flies.
Final Thoughts
These state records reflect not only the hard work of anglers but the ecological quality of their waters. Whether chasing giants or landing your personal best, knowing your home-state record places your catch in context. Tight lines—and may your next trout challenge the record books!
