CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that 15-year-old Hunter Rohr of Buckhannon, W.Va., caught a state record golden rainbow trout during WVDNR’s annual Gold Rush event. The trout set a record for both length and weight.
Rohr caught the 28.0-inch, 11.84-pound golden rainbow trout from the Smoke Hole section of the South Branch of the Potomac River in Pendleton County. He used an egg sack on a 4-pound test line for the catch.
Gerald Estep held the previous length record when he caught a record 27.5-inch golden rainbow trout in 1987 at Stonecoal Lake in Lewis County. Charles Lilly, Jr., held the previous weight record with a 9.72-pound golden rainbow trout caught during Gold Rush in 2023 at Little Beaver Lake in Raleigh County.
The new state record was confirmed by WVDNR District 3 Fisheries Biologist Jim Walker.
“We are proud to recognize Hunter’s accomplishment,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “His record-setting golden rainbow trout showcases the many fishing opportunities here in West Virginia and demonstrates the passion anglers of all ages bring to the sport.”
To learn more about state fish record categories, check page 24 of the West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations. Information pertaining to the Trophy Fish Citation and Master Angler programs can be found on page 27.
All anglers 15 and older must have a West Virginia fishing license, which can be purchased online at WVfish.com. Anglers are reminded that a trout stamp is required when fishing for trout.
