What Is the World Record Brown Trout?

Brown trout is a species of fish that is highly sought after by anglers all over the world. They are known for their exceptional size, beauty, and fighting spirit.

Anglers around the world aspire to catch the biggest brown trout, but what is the world record brown trout? Let’s find out!

The World Record Brown Trout

The current world record brown trout was caught in 1992 by a New Zealand angler named Otwin Kandolf. The fish weighed an astonishing 42 pounds and 1 ounce and measured nearly 3 feet long! This massive brown trout was caught in the Ahuriri River in New Zealand.

How Was It Caught?

Kandolf caught this enormous brown trout using a fly fishing rod with a nymph fly pattern. He patiently cast his line into the river and waited for a bite. After about an hour of waiting, he finally felt a tug on his line and began to reel it in.

The fight between Kandolf and the brown trout lasted for nearly an hour, with the fish making several attempts to escape. Eventually, Kandolf was able to tire out the fish enough to bring it in close enough to land it.

Other Notable Brown Trout Catches

While Kandolf’s catch is undoubtedly impressive, there have been many other notable catches of brown trout throughout history. Here are just a few:

  • 40 pounds 4 ounces: Caught by Howard “Rip” Collins in Arkansas’ Little Red River in 1992.
  • 38 pounds: Caught by Roger Hellen in Michigan’s Manistee River in 2009.
  • 36 pounds 14 ounces: Caught by Tom Healy in Ireland’s Lough Corrib in 2014.

Why Are Brown Trout So Popular?

Brown trout are known for their beauty, size, and fighting spirit. They are also a challenging fish to catch, making them all the more rewarding for anglers who are able to hook one.

In addition to their recreational value, brown trout also play an important role in many ecosystems. They are a top predator in many rivers and streams, feeding on smaller fish and insects. This helps to keep populations of other species in check.

Conclusion

The world record brown trout is an impressive feat of angling skill and patience. While not every angler will be able to catch a fish of this size, the pursuit of the biggest brown trout remains a popular pastime for many around the world. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of hooking into a big brown trout!

Photo of author

Daniel Bennet