A 15 year old angler in West Virginia has officially rewritten the state record books after catching a giant golden rainbow trout that shattered two long standing records. The incredible fish weighed 11.84 pounds and measured 28 inches, making it the new state record for both weight and length.
Hunter Rohr of Buckhannon, West Virginia landed the massive trout and quickly gained attention from anglers across the state. The catch officially surpassed the previous weight record of 9.72 pounds set in 2023, while also breaking a length record that had stood untouched since 1987.
Golden rainbow trout hold a special place in West Virginia fishing history. Often referred to simply as “golden trout” by locals, these brightly colored fish are actually a unique strain of rainbow trout developed through selective breeding programs started by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources biologists in the 1950s. The fish were first introduced into state waters in 1963 and have since become one of the most recognizable freshwater species in the Mountain State.
The origin story behind these trout is almost legendary among local anglers. According to West Virginia DNR history, the entire golden rainbow trout line traces back to a single unusual fish nicknamed “Little Camouflage.” In 1949, thousands of rainbow trout fry were shipped from California to the Petersburg State Trout Hatchery. Out of the original group, only 300 survived, and one stood out with a rare yellow mottled appearance. That fish later became the foundation for the golden rainbow trout breeding program still used today.
Hunter’s trout beat the old length record by half an inch and topped the previous weight mark by more than two pounds. After the catch was certified, WVDNR Director Brett McMillion praised the accomplishment, noting that the fish highlights both the quality of fishing opportunities in West Virginia and the enthusiasm young anglers continue to bring to the sport.
While golden rainbow trout occasionally appear in other states such as Pennsylvania and California, West Virginia remains the premier destination for anglers hoping to catch one. State hatcheries continue producing tens of thousands of eggs each year to stock local waters, and the fish are protected from being transported outside the state in order to preserve their rarity.
For anglers chasing unique freshwater species, catches like this prove that record breaking fish can still come from familiar waters. Grab the fishing gear, hit the trout streams and lakes, and the next unforgettable catch could be waiting just beneath the surface.
Image/Source: brobible
