Record Breaking Westslope Cutthroat Trout Caught in North Idaho

Daniel Whitesitt hoists a trophy Westslope Cutthroat Trout from the Clark Fork River. The 25-inch trout set a new "catch-and-release" state record.  Photo: IDFG

POST FALLS - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game says Daniel Whitesitt, of Post Falls, Ianded a new catch-and-release state record for Westslope Cutthroat Trout earlier this month.

Whitesitt hooked the lunker trout while fishing the Clark Fork River in northern Idaho on April 13. After landing the fish, Daniel recorded the required measurements and photos to document the fish's impressive length before releasing the trout. At 25 inches long, the Daniel's fish eclipsed the previous record of 24 inches set by Madison Nackos in 2021 from nearby Priest Lake.

According to IDFG, Westslope Cutthroat Trout are found in rivers, and some lakes, primarily throughout central and northern Idaho. They rarely exceed 20 inches, making this an exceptional catch.

Cutthroat Trout are Idaho's "state fish", and the Westslope Cutthroat Trout is one of three subspecies native to the state, along with the Bonneville and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.