An Idaho Falls angler miraculously reeled in a new state catch-and-release record lake trout and, even more unbelievably, was able to hoist it up into the boat. Dylan Smith — the lucky angler in question — was fishing on Payette Lake in McCall on May 2 when a 43.25-inch lake trout took the line for a sprint.

Smith was able to land the laker (well, boat it), get it stretched out on the tape measure, and was shocked when the tailfin crossed the 43rd inch line. The previous state catch-and-release record for lake trout just barely hit 42 inches.

But that’s not the end of the story.

Dylan Smith ain’t a stranger when it comes to the Idaho record fish books, and believe it or not, this was not his first rodeo with a 40-inch lake trout. During a separate outing in 2018, Dylan landed and recorded another impressive lake trout that eventually earned him a spot atop the record books. Shortly after, angler Aaron Goettsche beat out Dylan’s record with a 42-inch lunker laker himself. Both fish were caught and released back into Payette Lake.

Payette Lake is arguably one of the premier lake trout fisheries in the state of Idaho. Catches like these have made big splashes in the record books over the past decade or so, largely due to active lake trout management by the Southwest Region’s McCall fisheries staff.

Years of netting to remove large numbers of smaller, young lake trout has reduced the population and lowered predation on kokanee. As a result, the lake is producing healthy trophy lake trout again, and kokanee numbers have started to improve.

If you’re dreaming of record-breaking lake trout, it’s time to get serious about your gear and tactics. Here’s some tips for targeting these deep water predators:

• Technique: Trolling or jigging near the bottom are the go-to methods.
• Depth: Focus on 35–80 feet, where lake trout tend to hold tight to structure.
• Locations: Target underwater ridges, drop-offs, and boulder piles.
• Bait: Mimic kokanee. Use realistic lures, tipped jigs, and scent — lake trout can be selective, especially when food is abundant.

Be prepared for a potential record fish. Catch-and-release records will need a photo of the fish on a tape measure, or measuring board. You can find all the info and how to apply on the State Record Fish Page.

And lastly, congratulations to Dylan Smith on his spot atop Idaho’s catch-and-release leader board.