While many Idaho anglers were focused on winter ice conditions in mid-January, one fisherman at Dworshak Reservoir had a very different reason to pull out a tape measure. On January 13, Todd Phillips of Fruitland landed a rainbow trout so large it immediately turned heads and rewrote the Idaho record books.
Phillips was fishing near Orofino, taking advantage of brief breaks in the cloudy winter weather, when his quiet day on the water suddenly changed. His rod tip lurched hard toward the reservoir, signaling a fish far larger than anything he expected. After several tense minutes, Phillips brought the trout to hand—and quickly realized this was no ordinary rainbow.
The fish was massive, comparable in size to a Chinook salmon and large enough to require both hands just to lift. For most anglers, a rainbow trout of that size would already be a once-in-a-lifetime catch. However, once the trout was officially weighed, it became clear that Phillips had done something even more remarkable.
The rainbow trout tipped the scales at 20.03 pounds, making it the heaviest certified rainbow trout ever recorded in Idaho. Even more impressive, the new record surpassed the previous mark by just 0.03 pounds, proving how close record-breaking moments can be. That narrow margin was enough to place Phillips at the top of Idaho’s state fishing records.
Dworshak Reservoir has long been known for producing large trout thanks to its cold, nutrient-rich waters and strong fisheries management. This catch further cements the reservoir’s reputation as a destination for anglers hoping to hook truly exceptional fish.
Phillips’ record-setting trout is a reminder that winter fishing can deliver unforgettable surprises. Even during the coldest months, Idaho waters continue to produce trophy fish for anglers willing to brave the elements—and sometimes, history is made with just a few extra ounces.
Image/Source: idfg
