A 13-year-old boy named Jaxon Krall from Kemmerer, Wyoming, made headlines after catching a massive tiger trout from the Viva Naughton Reservoir, breaking the state fishing record. The Wyoming Game & Fish Department (WGFD) reported that Krall reeled in a 12.77-pound fish that measured 31.25 inches in length with a girth of 16.75 inches. He used a Thomas Buoyant lure to catch the impressive tiger trout, surpassing the previous state record of 11.93 pounds which was also caught in the same reservoir.
Krall expressed his excitement about the catch, stating, “I was fishing for anything that would bite, but I knew when I hooked it that it was big.” Tiger trout are a unique hybrid species resulting from a cross between brook trout and brown trout. Jaxon Krall’s father, Robert Krall, shared that his son was thrilled to learn that he had become the new Wyoming state record holder for tiger trout. Despite his success, Krall mentioned that he plans to release the next tiger trout he catches when he returns to the reservoir for another fishing excursion.
The Viva Naughton Reservoir is known for its abundant population of Utah chub, prompting the WGFD to introduce tiger trout to help control the chub numbers and enhance the diversity of fish species in the reservoir. Robb Keith, the Game and Fish fisheries supervisor in the Green River Region, expressed his satisfaction with the performance of tiger trout in Viva Naughton. He explained that only a small number of tiger trout are stocked to give anglers the opportunity to catch exceptional fish like the one landed by Jaxon Krall.
Keith added that anglers are likely to find tiger trout in shallow waters near structures, feeding on shiners and Utah chubs. He advised anglers to use lures, flies, and baits that mimic these forage fish to attract tiger trout. The WGFD expects the reservoir to continue producing exceptional fish due to the success of the tiger trout stocking program. Fox News Digital reached out to the WGFD for further comments on the recent record-breaking catch by Jaxon Krall.
In conclusion, Jaxon Krall’s remarkable achievement in catching a record-breaking tiger trout at the Viva Naughton Reservoir has garnered attention and admiration from the fishing community. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to conservation by releasing future catches demonstrate his passion for fishing and respect for the environment. As he continues his fishing adventures, Krall’s success serves as an inspiration to other anglers and highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices for preserving diverse fish populations in local waterways.
