Tiger trout catch-and-release sets new state record

Photo: Kaleb Nelson’s 32-inch Tiger trout, setting a new fishing record in Utah. Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources // Facebook.

CARBON COUNTY, Utah – The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has recently certified a new fishing record in the state of Utah.

Kaleb Nelson set the new catch-and-release record for Tiger trout with a 32-inch monster he caught on the Scofield Reservoir on December 9, 2023.

Nelson was ice-fishing on the reservoir located in Carbon County.

The new catch-and-release Tiger trout record is one of five other state fishing records set in 2023, which saw new records for catch-and-release Bonneville Cutthroat trout, catch-and-release for black bullhead, in addition to a new spearfishing record for yellow perch, a spearfishing record for arctic grayling, and a spearfishing record for striped bass.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources began recording harvested fish in the early 1900s, signaling the start of the record fish program.

Over time, this program has evolved to encompass not only harvested fish but also records for catch-and-release, as well as fish caught using alternative tackle such as spearfishing, archery, and setline.

“The public records are also a fun way to encourage anglers to get out on the water and hopefully encounter some of the large fish Utah has to offer. Fishing is a great way to explore Utah’s beautiful outdoors, and the excitement of setting a record can make it even more fun,” said Trina Hedrick, DWR sportfish coordinator.

Trout Unlimited recently drilled a hole into the Scofield dam at the Scofield Reservoir, where Nelson snagged the record-setting Tiger trout.

The hole in the dam is intended to allow more water downstream into Lower Fish Creek, a former Blue Ribbon Fishery.

If you think you may have caught a record catch-and-release fish, you can submit the record application form on the DWR website. Your submission must include a photo that shows the fish next to a measuring device such as a yardstick or tape measure, and your release of the fish must be witnessed and certified in writing.

To submit a catch-and-keep record, you must submit a photo of the fish, as well as its total length, girth and weight. The fish must be weighed using a certified commercial scale, and the weighing must be witnessed and certified in writing by two independent witnesses who are not members of the individual’s fishing party or family. A Utah Division of Wildlife Resources employee must witness and certify in writing the species, total fish length and girth verification.