Every angler knows the thrill: after a long, hard fight, you finally bring your trophy fish to the net. The adrenaline is pumping, the camera comes out, and a thought crosses your mind, could this be a record-breaker? Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore! We’ve put together a guide for every Colorado State Fishing Record for every trout species in Colorado. From epic battles to world-record catches, these stories prove just how special fishing in Colorado can be!
Rainbow Trout Colorado State Fishing Record
Colorado’s state fishing record for rainbow trout belongs to Lee Cox, who in 2003 hauled in a monster 19 pound, 10 ounce rainbow at Morrow Point Reservoir. While that’s the heaviest rainbow ever recorded in the state, the longest rainbow came from the Taylor River, where Tony Felicilda landed a 40.25-inch beauty. Two different anglers, two incredible fish.
Cutthroat Trout Colorado State Fishing Record
Cutthroat trout are Colorado’s true natives, but the state record actually belongs to a Snake River Cutthroat, a non-native strain that tends to grow larger. In 2005, Rob Peckham pulled a 33-inch, 17 pound, 3 ounce cutthroat from the Blue River, truly a catch of a lifetime.
Brook Trout Colorado State Fishing Record
Brook trout are mountain gems, often found in high alpine lakes and streams. But they’re no pushovers when it comes to size. In 2022, Matt Smiley set the weight record with an 8 pound, 9 ounce brookie from Waterdog Lake. The length record is a two-way tie: Mark Armstrong and Garrett McBride each landed impressive fish that topped the charts at 28 inches. Whether measured by weight or length, brook trout prove that small waters can hold big surprises.
Colorado State Fishing Record for Brown Trout
Browns are fierce fighters and can grow to jaw-dropping sizes in Colorado’s rivers and ponds. The state record goes back to 1988, when Alan Schneider of Fly Fishing Team USA landed a massive 30 pound, 8 ounce brown at Roaring Judy Ponds. For length, Darrel Armstrong still holds the title with a 38-inch brown from the Colorado River. Big, bold, and powerful, that’s what brown trout are all about.
Lake Trout Colorado Records
The true giants of Colorado fishing are lake trout, also known as Mackinaw. In fact, Colorado is home to the world record. In 2023, Scott Enloe shocked the angling world by catching a staggering 73 pound, 5 ounce, 47-inch Mackinaw at Blue Mesa Reservoir. This catch didn’t just beat the Colorado record, it smashed the world record, topping the previous mark by over a pound. If there’s ever been proof that Colorado waters can produce legends, this is it.
Kokanee Salmon Colorado State Fishing Record
Kokanee may not grow as large as trout, but they’re a favorite among Colorado anglers for their fight and flavor. The biggest on record is a 6 pound, 13 ounce salmon caught by Will Arduino in 1986 at Spinney Mountain Reservoir. The longest came from the South Platte River, where Richard Eppard reeled in a 28-inch kokanee. These salmon are some of the most exciting fish you’ll ever hook.
Will Your Catch Be Next?
From rainbow trout to world-record lake trout, Colorado’s waters have produced some truly amazing fish. But records are made to be broken, and your fish might be the next to do it. So grab your rod, hit the water, and maybe your name will be etched into Colorado fishing history.
For tips on finding and catching these fish, check out our guides on trout and Kokanee fishing in Colorado!
