McCammon man catches state-record whitefish from Bear Lake
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The following is a news release from Idaho Fish and Game.
BEAR LAKE — Congratulations to Gaylon Newbold of McCammon for landing a new catch and release state record for Bonneville whitefish.
Newbold caught the 21-inch whitefish while jigging on Dec.10, beating the previous record held by Dalton Jackson since 2016.
As an avid Bear Lake angler, Newbold holds multiple state records, including the catch and release record for Bonneville cutthroat trout. He is also the current certified weight record holder for Bonneville whitefish.
Bear Lake is home to three different endemic species of whitefish, which are found only in that lake. Bonneville Cisco, Bear Lake whitefish and Bonneville whitefish are all thought to be relatives of the widely distributed mountain whitefish present in much of Idaho.
All three species evolved over the last 14,000 years, since the ancient Lake Bonneville receded, isolating Bear Lake from mountain whitefish nearby.
Think you can land a record fish? Check out Idaho’s State Record Fish program for more information and how to apply.