🎣 This Bass Was So Fat, It Set a Lake Record (You Won't Believe Why)

THIS WEEK'S FISHING RECORDS

A monster bass, state record trout, and a pending tuna record highlight an action-packed week in fishing news.

California: Monster 17.6-Pound Bass Sets Lake Jennings Record

Ryan Henson landed a massively rotund 17.6-pound largemouth bass on Friday at Lake Jennings in San Diego County, setting a new waterbody record. The catch came just one day after the reservoir was stocked with 1,500 pounds of rainbow trout, and photos reveal a bass belly that wasn't full of eggs but rather "full of trout," according to Lake Jennings staff. Henson was fishing with a large swimbait designed to entice giant bass. For perspective, largemouth bass topping 15 pounds are rare anywhere in the country.

Read the full story at Spokesman.com

Idaho: New State Record Yellowstone Cutthroat from Henrys Lake

Robert Gregory set out on New Year's Eve with his college buddies and a specific goal: catch a state record Yellowstone cutthroat trout. After a slow morning, they switched to shallower water and immediately started getting bites. Gregory landed a 19-inch, 3.08-pound Yellowstone cutthroat through the ice at Henrys Lake, now the new Idaho state record.

Read the full story at Fishmasters

North Dakota: First-Ever State Record Tiger Trout

Minot angler Evan Trottier hauled a 6-pound, 2-ounce tiger trout through the ice on January 4th at Hooker Lake in Rolette County. The fish measured 24.75 inches and sets the bar for a relatively new species in North Dakota. Tiger trout (a brook trout/brown trout hybrid) were first stocked in the state in 2023, making this an inaugural record.

Read the full story at ND Game and Fish

Louisiana: Pending 256-Pound Yellowfin Tuna Record

Jeff Tomaloff of Vero Beach, Florida was fishing with Capt. Eddie Brown out of Venice on January 16th when he landed a 256-pound yellowfin tuna on a topwater popper. If certified, it would surpass the current Louisiana record of 251 pounds set in 2012. Tomaloff was casting a clear Madd Mantis popper when the big yellowfin crushed it. The same day, the crew also landed a 165-pounder and a 207-pounder.

Read the full story at Louisiana Sportsman

ICE FISHING SEASON UPDATE

Lake of the Woods, MN: Ice conditions are excellent across the South Shore, Rainy River, and Northwest Angle. Resort ice roads are in great shape, with some allowing 1-ton trucks pulling wheelhouses. Anglers are catching a classic mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and tullibees in 25-31 feet of water. Fish houses can stay out through March 31st, and the walleye/sauger season runs through April 14th.

Full report at Lake of the Woods MN

Northern Wisconsin: Ice thickness is running 8-12 inches in most areas. Walleye fishing has been strong on shallow weed edges during low-light periods. Crappie reports are improving, especially during afternoon and evening hours in 8-16 feet around weeds and basin areas.

Cleveland Area: 3,000 lbs of mixed trout were stocked last week at five Cleveland Metroparks lakes. Ice anglers are targeting trout, panfish, and largemouth bass through the ice.

FROM THE FISHMASTERS ARCHIVES

📌 Best Ice Fishing Lures for 2026 - Our recently updated guide to the top 30 lures for hardwater success.

📌 Top 30 Trout Streams in Pennsylvania - Start planning your spring trout trips now.

📌 Crispy Pan-Fried Flounder Recipe - A delicious way to prepare your catch.

TIGHT LINES!

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