‘Monster’ hybrid trout breaks catch-and-release record in Idaho

ISLAND PARK, Idaho — Hailey Thomas was fishing with her husband Shane and two children on Henrys Lake on Oct. 4 when she hooked her “monster” catch.

According to the Idaho Fish and Game Department, the pair had been struggling to catch fish and had just changed fishing spots when a 36-inch long rainbow/cutthroat hybrid grabbed her line.

Her husband — a seasoned angler and previous state-record holder — was shocked by the size of the fish.

“That’s the biggest trout I’ve seen in my life,” Shane Thomas told the Idaho Fish and Game Department.

The pair documented the 36-inch catch, noting the fish had a girth of 21-inches. According to the department, the hybrid trout could have weighed anywhere from 17-20 pounds. She broke the previous state record by 6 inches, which Ryan Ivy set in 2018.

After celebrating the catch with memorable photos, Hailey Thomas released the fish back into the shallow waters.

Henrys Lake is known for its blue-ribbon trout fishing and is home to native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, rainbow/cutthroat hybrid, and brook trout.

Trout grow quickly at this productive lake and often reach trophy sizes, according to the Idaho Fish and Game Department.

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