Clark Fork River produces new state record Westslope cutthroat trout

Daniel Whitesitt of Post Falls recently landed a new catch-and-release state record for westslope cutthroat trout. 

Whitesitt hooked the lunker trout while fishing the Clark Fork River on April 13. After landing the fish, Whitesitt recorded the required measurements and photos to document the fish's impressive length before releasing the trout to fight another day.  

At 25 inches long, Whitesitt's fish eclipsed the previous record of 24 inches set by Madison Nackos in 2021 from Priest Lake. 

Westslope cutthroat trout are found in rivers, and some lakes, primarily throughout central and North 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.

— Idaho Department of Fish and Game