Kaleb Nelson’s love for fishing runs deep, shaped by stories from his grandfather, Brent Nelson, who often shared tales of Scofield Reservoir’s legendary tiger trout. Those childhood stories turned into reality on Dec. 9, when Kaleb set a new Utah state record by catching and releasing a 32-inch tiger trout through the ice—a moment that honored his grandfather’s legacy and added a chapter to their family history.
A Grandfather’s Influence
Growing up, Kaleb had heard countless tales about the majestic tiger trout that lurked in the depths of Scofield Reservoir, located southeast of Salt Lake City. His grandfather, who grew up near Clear Creek, painted vivid pictures of these hybrid fish—a cross between brook trout and brown trout—known for their striking patterns and aggressive nature. Inspired by those stories, Kaleb and his friends decided to try their luck ice fishing on that fateful December day.
“My grandpa always told me about those big, beautiful tiger trout that lived there,” Kaleb told Outdoor Life. “So, a couple buddies and I decided to ice fish there last December.”
The Day of the Catch
Kaleb, a 22-year-old construction project engineer, was no stranger to Scofield. Familiar with the lake’s seasonal patterns, he and his friends set up their gear over a grassy bottom in roughly six feet of water, drilling four holes. Each friend selected a hole, while Kaleb alternated between two, using both a heavy and light ice spinning rod.
Equipped with a 3-inch white tube jig on his light-tackle setup, Kaleb worked the lure just above the weed beds. “I was just swimming the jig above some bottom weeds with the light outfit, and wham—I got a hit,” he recounted.
A Battle Worth Remembering
The moment the fish struck, Kaleb knew he had hooked something substantial. The battle was intense, lasting around 30 minutes, a test of both angling skill and patience. Fighting the trout beneath the ice presented additional challenges; sharp ice edges can quickly cut fishing line. But his 10-pound braided line held strong.
“The trout took about half of the line off my spinning reel during one of its longer runs,” Kaleb explained. When he finally saw the fish near the 8-inch ice hole, a new worry set in—would it fit through?
Thanks to quick teamwork from his friends, they managed to pull the massive fish through, erupting into laughter and celebration.
Catch, Measure, Release
The trout measured an impressive 32 inches—just enough to set a new catch-and-release state record, surpassing the previous mark by half an inch. After a quick photo session, the fish was gently released back into Scofield Reservoir, swimming away strong.
“They are just incredibly beautiful, which is why we release them,” Kaleb emphasized.
Certification and Recognition
Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) maintains a catch-and-release category for state records, allowing anglers to submit verified measurements and witness testimonies without harming the fish. Kaleb’s application, including photos and verification, was approved, and the DWR certified the new record.
This record is a testament to Scofield Reservoir’s rich fishing heritage. The catch-and-keep record, for comparison, stands at a staggering 37 inches and 19 pounds 2 ounces, also from Scofield. On a global scale, the IGFA all-tackle world record for tiger trout weighs 27 pounds 6 ounces, caught in Washington State.
A Family Legacy Continues
Kaleb plans to commemorate the experience with a replica mount of the fish, a tribute not only to his angling achievement but also to the stories and lessons passed down through generations.
“I’ll enjoy looking at that big, beautiful trout for a long time,” Kaleb said. “But my grandpa loves them too, and he was more excited than anyone about my catch.”
In honoring his grandfather’s tales, Kaleb Nelson didn’t just set a record—he brought a family legacy full circle, proving that sometimes, the best fishing advice is the kind passed down through generations.
Image/Source: OutdoorLife
