Troy, Idaho Angler Sets New State Catch-and-Release Record with Kootenai River Burbot
A Troy, Idaho angler has made fishing history in North Idaho, setting a new Idaho catch-and-release record after landing an impressive burbot — also known as freshwater cod — from the Kootenai River in Kootenai County. Caleb Wilson caught the record-breaking fish on March 19, 2026, measuring it at 26.75 inches before releasing it back into the river.
A Record Catch in Kootenai County Waters
The Kootenai River, which winds through the northern reaches of Kootenai County and is well known among North Idaho fishing enthusiasts, served as the backdrop for Wilson’s historic catch. The burbot — a species sometimes called freshwater cod for its distinctive elongated body and bottom-dwelling habits — is among the more unusual fish found in Idaho’s northern waterways.
Wilson carefully measured the fish to document the catch before releasing it back into the Kootenai River, fulfilling the requirements for Idaho’s catch-and-release record program. His measurement of 26.75 inches was sufficient to claim the new state record in the catch-and-release category, according to a report by Fox 28 Spokane.
The catch-and-release record program administered by Idaho Fish and Game allows anglers to compete for state recognition without removing fish from their natural habitat — a policy that supports long-term fishery health and conservation while still giving sportsmen a pathway to recognition for exceptional catches.
North Idaho’s Fishing Heritage
North Idaho’s rivers and lakes have long been a point of regional pride for residents of Kootenai County and the broader Panhandle region. From Lake Coeur d’Alene to the Spokane River corridor and the remote stretches of the Kootenai River near the Montana border, the region attracts both serious competitive anglers and recreational fishermen who value the area’s pristine waterways and abundant fish populations.
The Kootenai River, in particular, flows through some of the most scenic terrain in the Idaho Panhandle. It supports a variety of fish species, and the burbot — though less glamorous than trout or salmon — is a prized catch among dedicated local anglers who know the river’s deeper, colder stretches where the species tends to thrive.
Wilson’s achievement underscores the quality of fishing opportunities still available in the region, even as growth and development continue to reshape communities across Kootenai County. Local anglers and outdoor recreation advocates have long argued that protecting North Idaho’s waterways is essential to maintaining the quality of life that draws residents and visitors to the area. The community also has upcoming ways to celebrate the natural environment — residents in the Coeur d’Alene area can participate in Arbor Day celebrations next weekend, reflecting a broader appreciation for North Idaho’s outdoor heritage.
Impact on Kootenai County Residents and Anglers
For Kootenai County residents who fish recreationally or competitively, Wilson’s record serves as a reminder of what North Idaho’s rivers still have to offer. The Kootenai River corridor, while perhaps less frequently highlighted than Lake Coeur d’Alene or popular trout streams along Highway 95 and Highway 41, holds its own as a productive fishery for those willing to explore its waters.
The record also highlights the value of Idaho Fish and Game’s catch-and-release record program, which encourages conservation-minded angling by rewarding anglers who document exceptional catches without depleting fish populations. This model reflects the kind of individual stewardship and voluntary conservation that North Idaho’s outdoor community has long embraced.
What Comes Next
Caleb Wilson’s new Idaho catch-and-release record is expected to be formally recognized through Idaho Fish and Game, the state agency that oversees fishery records and wildlife management statewide. Anglers interested in pursuing their own state records — whether on the Kootenai River, Lake Coeur d’Alene, or other North Idaho waters — can find full program details, species requirements, and submission guidelines on the Idaho Fish and Game website.
For more on statewide outdoor recreation and wildlife management news from across Idaho, readers can also visit Idaho News for ongoing coverage of Fish and Game policies and conservation efforts affecting communities throughout the state.