Record-Breaking Bass Catch in San Diego Stuns Anglers

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In a remarkable feat, angler Ryan Henson caught a 17.6-pound largemouth bass at Lake Jennings in San Diego County, setting a new record for the lake. The bass, which was full of recently stocked rainbow trout, was caught on a large swimbait, highlighting Henson's skill and the lake's potential for producing trophy-sized fish.

Why it matters

Catching a largemouth bass over 15 pounds is an extremely rare accomplishment, making Henson's catch all the more impressive. The event has generated significant interest and discussion among the fishing community, as it showcases the potential of San Diego's lakes to produce world-class bass.

The details

Henson's catch occurred just one day after Lake Jennings had been stocked with 1,500 pounds of rainbow trout, leading many to initially speculate that the bass's impressive size might be due to spawning. However, the lake later clarified that the fish was 'full of trout', indicating it had been actively feeding on the recently introduced prey.

• On April 11, 2026, Lake Jennings was stocked with 1,500 pounds of rainbow trout.
• On April 12, 2026, angler Ryan Henson caught the 17.6-pound largemouth bass at Lake Jennings.

What’s next

The International Game Fish Association will review Henson's catch to determine if it qualifies for any records, and Lake Jennings will continue to monitor the lake's bass population and stocking efforts.