On a Monday outing in late October, Ty Smith set a new South Dakota bowfishing record by landing a 6-pound, 12-ounce brown trout on Lake Oahe. The record-breaking catch was promptly verified by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (SDGFP), making it the first brown trout to hold a bowfishing record in the state, according to SDGFP communications manager Nick Harrington.
South Dakota, like many states, distinguishes between traditional hook-and-line records and those achieved by other methods, such as bowfishing. The standing hook-and-line record for brown trout, set by Wilfred H. Huether in 1990 with a 24-pound catch from Canyon Lake, remains unchallenged. However, Smith’s achievement has sparked mixed reactions online, reflecting the often contentious nature of bowfishing for game species.
Despite its legality—bowfishing for trout on Lake Oahe is permitted from May 1 to March 31 using crossbows or hand-drawn bows—Smith’s catch has drawn criticism from some anglers. “This should be illegal for sure,” wrote one commenter on the SDGFP’s Facebook page, highlighting ethical concerns rather than legality. Critics argue that targeting prized game fish like brown trout with bowfishing methods, a practice typically reserved for rough or invasive species such as carp and gar, crosses a line.
Brown trout, though considered invasive in parts of the United States, have long been regarded as a cherished game fish among anglers. Originally introduced from Europe in the late 1800s, they have established themselves in many U.S. waterways, often competing with native species like cutthroat and brook trout. Despite their contested status, brown trout are deeply valued by sportsmen.
The timing of Smith’s record-breaking catch may have further fueled the controversy, as brown trout spawn during the fall months. Many “purist” anglers believe in giving spawning fish a reprieve to maintain the health of their populations. Photographic evidence of Smith’s fish shows signs of spawning readiness, including darker skin tones and a pronounced kype, sparking further debate about whether such catches should be ethically permissible during spawning season.
Some anglers defended Smith’s legal catch, comparing it to bowfishing for invasive carp and noting that brown trout may not even spawn in Lake Oahe. “Ty is one of the most ethical anglers I’ve ever fished with,” commented a supporter. “Let the trout purists cry!”
Image: OutdoorLife
