North Dakota Ice Angler Catches State Record Tiger Trout

A recent achievement in ice fishing has captivated enthusiasts, as a North Dakota angler successfully landed a record-breaking tiger trout. This remarkable catch not only established a new state benchmark but also earned the fisherman recognition in a prestigious local club for exceptional catches. The story highlights a blend of local knowledge, persistence, and a bit of luck, all coming together on the frozen waters of a familiar lake.

The setting for this impressive feat is Hooker Lake, a modest 36-acre body of water nestled in Rolette County, just south of the U.S.-Manitoba border. Since 2023, this lake has been among a select few in North Dakota stocked with tiger trout. Evan Trottier, a 40-year-old concrete project manager from Minot, North Dakota, was well aware of this, having spent his formative years fishing these very waters. His parents even own a lakeside home, making Hooker Lake a deeply personal and familiar fishing ground for him. He had previously caught numerous rainbow trout and smaller tiger trout there, leading him to believe that a larger, record-setting specimen might be lurking beneath the ice.

Tiger trout, a hybrid species resulting from the cross between a brook trout and a brown trout, are favored by fisheries for their rapid growth and inability to reproduce naturally, offering a distinct challenge for anglers. Trottier harbored a long-standing ambition to catch a tiger trout exceeding five pounds, a weight that would qualify for the state record and induction into North Dakota's 'Whopper Club,' an exclusive group that acknowledges anglers for catching remarkably large fish. His dedication to this goal eventually paid off on January 4th.

On that chilly morning, with the ice a solid two feet thick, Trottier was one of about a dozen anglers enjoying ice fishing on the lake. Around 10 a.m., while jigging a silver 'Little Cleo' spoon baited with a 2.5-inch live shiner minnow about halfway down in seven feet of water, he felt a powerful strike. The ensuing struggle tested his 8-pound test monofilament line and ice fishing spinning rod. After skillfully maneuvering the strong fish, he finally managed to pull it through the ice hole. Immediately recognizing its significant size, Trottier weighed the fish, confirming it was indeed over six pounds. He then contacted state fisheries officials, who instructed him to have the catch officially weighed on certified scales.

The following day, after keeping the fish frozen, Trottier met with game wardens at a nearby butcher shop equipped with the necessary certified scale. The official measurement confirmed the tiger trout weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces, and measured 24.75 inches in length. This officially established a new state record for tiger trout in North Dakota and secured his entry into the 'Whopper Club.' Expressing immense satisfaction with his accomplishment, Trottier mentioned plans to commission a replica of the fish before preparing and consuming his prize catch.

This remarkable fishing narrative underscores the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of achieving a long-held ambition. Trottier's deep familiarity with Hooker Lake, combined with his strategic fishing approach, ultimately led to a memorable catch that etched his name into the state's angling history. His story serves as an inspiration to fellow fishermen, demonstrating that perseverance and a passion for the sport can indeed lead to extraordinary outcomes.