Coeur d'Alene Angler Lands Record Westslope Cutthroat Trout

The 27-inch fish caught from Lake Pend Oreille sets a new Idaho state record.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:10am

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An angler from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho has landed a record-setting 27-inch Westslope cutthroat trout from Lake Pend Oreille, earning a place in the state's record books. The fish surpassed the previous record by two inches.

Why it matters

Lake Pend Oreille is known as one of Idaho's premier trophy trout fisheries, and this record catch highlights the exceptional size and quality of the Westslope cutthroat trout found in the lake. The record also promotes conservation efforts for native trout species through programs like the Western Native Trout Challenge.

The details

Kyle Hatrock caught the massive 27-inch trout on February 1st while fishing Lake Pend Oreille. The fish put up an impressive fight, taking out over 450 feet of line for 15-20 minutes before Hatrock was able to net it. After measuring the fish, Hatrock and his fishing partners realized it had surpassed the previous state record held by Daniel Whitesitt, who caught a 25-inch Westslope cutthroat in the Clark Fork River.

  • Kyle Hatrock caught the record trout on February 1, 2026.
  • The previous state record was held by Daniel Whitesitt, caught in the Clark Fork River.

The players

Kyle Hatrock

An angler from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho who caught the record-setting 27-inch Westslope cutthroat trout from Lake Pend Oreille.

Daniel Whitesitt

The angler who previously held the Idaho state record for Westslope cutthroat trout with a 25-inch fish caught in the Clark Fork River.

Idaho Fish and Game

The state agency that maintains the official record fish listings and encourages anglers to participate in conservation programs like the Western Native Trout Challenge.

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What they’re saying

“We'd just got all the lines out when not 10 minutes later, one pole starts singing out the line. The first run took out 450 feet-plus for about 15–20 minutes, and as soon as it hit the net, my friend started freaking out, saying 'That's the biggest freaking cutty I've ever seen!'”

— Kyle Hatrock (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

Idaho Fish and Game encourages anglers interested in pursuing record fish to review the state's official record fish listings and requirements. Anglers can also participate in the Western Native Trout Challenge, a multi-state program that rewards anglers for catching native trout species while promoting conservation efforts.

The takeaway

This record-breaking catch from Lake Pend Oreille highlights the exceptional size and quality of Westslope cutthroat trout found in Idaho's premier trophy trout fisheries. It also promotes conservation efforts for native trout species through programs like the Western Native Trout Challenge.