Dylan Smith lake trout record: Idaho angler Dylan Smith reclaimed the state’s catch-and-release lake trout mark after landing a 43.25-inch fish on Payette Lake near McCall on May 2. The catch was measured and certified by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, returning Smith to the top of the record book.
Dylan Smith reclaimed the Idaho catch-and-release lake trout record with a 43.25-inch fish from Payette Lake.
Dylan Smith lake trout record: Record catch — 43.25-inch fish
Smith, who lives in Idaho Falls, was fishing Payette Lake when a large lake trout took his bait and began a lengthy fight that ended with the fish aboard and on a tape measure. The measured length of 43.25 inches was enough to reclaim the state’s catch-and-release record for lake trout.
The catch occurred on May 2 near McCall. Smith first set an Idaho record in 2018 with a 41.5-inch fish from Payette Lake; this latest laker eclipses the more recent 42-inch mark that had stood until now.
“43.25 is the new length to beat!” said a McCall-area angler.
Idaho Fish and Game confirms the record
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game reviewed measurements and documentation before officially certifying Smith’s 43.25-inch fish as the state catch-and-release record. Agency confirmation is required to make a record official under Idaho’s guidelines.
Idaho Fish and Game follows established protocols for measuring, documenting and verifying claims submitted for state records. For the agency’s information and any official statements, see Idaho Fish and Game: https://idfg.idaho.gov.
Agency biologists who work on Payette Lake have been involved in management actions aimed at shifting the lake’s population structure. Officials say those efforts are intended to support kokanee populations and create conditions that allow remaining predators, like lake trout, to reach larger sizes.
Why it matters
Smith’s reclaimed record is more than an angling milestone: it highlights how targeted fisheries management can influence sportfishing outcomes. Idaho Fish and Game reports that reducing numbers of smaller trout can help kokanee rebound and allow trophy predators to grow.
For the McCall community and local outfitters, trophy catches draw tourism and guide work. Seeing another record from Payette Lake reinforces the perception among local anglers that recent management steps may be producing larger fish over time.
What comes next for Payette Lake anglers
For anglers, Smith’s record is an invitation and a reminder to practice careful catch-and-release. Handling large fish gently, minimizing fight time when possible and following state regulations helps protect key breeding fish and the broader population.
Idaho Fish and Game will continue monitoring fish-size distributions, kokanee abundance and related indicators to evaluate how management actions play out. Any adjustments to rules or targeted removals would be announced by the agency after internal review.
Common questions from anglers
Is Dylan Smith’s catch an official Idaho record? Yes. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game reviewed the documentation and certified the 43.25-inch lake trout as the state catch-and-release record.
Where on Payette Lake was the fish caught? The fish was landed on Payette Lake near McCall on May 2. Specific shoreline coordinates are not disclosed in agency summaries shared with media.
How have management efforts affected Payette Lake trout sizes? Idaho Fish and Game reports that efforts to reduce smaller trout and support kokanee have correlated with larger average sizes among remaining lake trout. The agency presents this as a likely contributing factor while noting multiple ecological variables influence growth and size.
Sources and attribution: This report is based on coverage by Fox News Outkick Sports and the official confirmation from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Fox Outkick coverage: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/idaho-fisherman-loses-state-record-takes-back-even-bigger-catch. Idaho Department of Fish and Game: https://idfg.idaho.gov.
Reporting and compilation for The Nonstop News. Sources: Fox News Outkick Sports and Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
