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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs fared much better in 2023, resulting in great fishing conditions for many anglers.
Five anglers in particular left 2023 with a tale that ended in Utah's century-old fishing record book. Two new catch-and-release records and three new spearfishing records were set last year. Those were:
Catch-and-release records
- Clint Thurgood caught a 25 ⅝-inch long Bonneville cutthroat trout at the outlet below Lost Creek Reservoir on June 21. The previous record was 25¼ inches set at Lost Creek Reservoir on April 18, 2022.
- Trevor Houston caught a 16 ½-inch long black bullhead at Gunlock Reservoir on June 30. The previous record was 16 inches set at Quail Creek Reservoir on July 19, 2022.
Spearfishing records
- Shelby Peterson caught a striped bass weighing 24 pounds and 6 ounces at Lake Powell on May 19, shattering the previous record of 6 pounds and 3 ounces that was snagged at Lake Powell in 2022.
- Max Mader caught a 2-ounce arctic grayling at Sand Lake, though the exact date was not specified. No previous record is listed by the state.
- Steven Gottfredson caught a 15-ounce yellow perch at Deer Creek Reservoir on Nov. 1, besting a record 13-ounce fish caught at Starvation Reservoir in 2011.
Utah has tracked fishing records since around the start of the 20th century. There are now 34 catch-and-keep, 38 catch-and-release and 22 spearfishing records in Utah, as well as six setline and three archery records.
Trina Hedrick, the sport fish coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, says these both celebrate accomplishments, but also aim to inspire more fishing.
"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," she said in a statement Thursday. "Fishing is a great way to explore Utah's beautiful outdoors, and the excitement of setting a record can make it even more fun."
Anglers hoping to enter the record books this year should have a few pieces of equipment with them before they cast a line. Don't forget your camera or phone to take a picture of the fish, as well as tools to measure the fish.
The division says those submitting a catch-and-release fish record must fill out an application form available on its website and include a photo of the fish next to a yardstick or tape measure to show its length. The fish's release must also be witnessed and certified in writing, according to the agency.
Those submitting a catch-and-keep fish record must also fill out an application form with a photo of the fish, as well as other information like girth and weight. Fish must be weighed on a certified commercial scale and witnessed and certified by two independent witnesses who aren't a part of the angler's family or fishing party.
A division employee must also witness and certify the species, total fish length and girth verification in writing.
