Henrys Lake has long been a magnet for anglers chasing trophy trout, but on the last day of the year, it delivered something extra special for Idaho fisherman Robert Gregory.
Yellowstone cutthroat trout are already a rare prize — native to only a handful of waters in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and small pockets of neighboring states. Henrys Lake is one of the few places where anglers can legally harvest them, thanks to a strong population supported by hatchery efforts. That alone makes catching one a bucket-list moment.
Robert and his college friends hit the ice early on December 31 with one ambitious goal: land a state-record Yellowstone cutthroat. The morning was slow, but a shift to shallower water changed everything. The bites came fast, and soon Robert was hooked into the fish that would make his day.
The trout measured 19 inches and weighed 3.08 pounds — not the biggest trout ever caught, but big enough to claim Idaho’s new state record for the subspecies. After confirming the weight on a certified grocery store scale, Robert officially secured his place atop the record board.
Given Henrys Lake’s reputation and thriving cutthroat population, this record may not stand for long. But for now, it’s Robert Gregory’s moment — and a reminder of why this icy Idaho lake remains one of the West’s most beloved winter fishing destinations.