Record trout caught in Colorado for 3rd time this year: ‘Really special fish’

A Colorado man caught a huge trout and it’s the third time the state record has been broken in 2022.

Matt Smiley, a tackle salesman from Lake City, Colorado, reeled in an eight-pound, nine-ounce brook trout from Waterdog Lake on Oct. 8, according to a press release issued by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

The lake is located in Uncompahgre National Forest and Smiley reportedly caught the certified record brook trout near Hinsdale County.

Smiley’s trout measured 26.25 inches in length and 16 inches in girth, according to the CPW.

“The experience of this catch has been surreal, and it took a few days to soak in,” Smiley told the CPW. “It’s a really special fish.” 

Smiley said he usually releases the fish he catches and his decision to keep the brook trout was a tough one. He’s planning to have the fish mounted, according to the CPW.

“I’ve released so many over the years, but it was one of those deals where I made a quick…