Trophy and Record Fish Programs
Great traditions and great memories last generations!
Outstanding angler, 9 year old John LaValley of Gilmanton Iron Works is pictured with his father (left) and his great grandfather and namesake, John LaValley.
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Nine-year old John LaValley of Gilmanton Iron Works kept this beautiful 7 lb., 9.44 oz. brown trout from Clough Pond in June 2019. Young John is pictured with his father, Jeffrey, on the left; and his great-grandfather, 94 year old John LaValley, Jr. of Concord to the right. While young John placed second in his category for the 2019 Trophy Fish Program, you just cannot argue with these smiles – all three are clearly winners!
The elder John LaValley has been teaching his kids, grandkids, and now great-grandkids how to fish and enter their catches in the Trophy Fish Program for decades now. His grandson, Jeffrey, writes, "I found a copy of the May 1980 [NH Fish and Game] Field Notes publication that had my grandfather in it!" The write up says the lake trout he caught 4/20/80 while trolling on Lake Winnipesaukee weighed 13 lbs., 8 oz., and was 31 1/2" long. "He still says it was 15 lbs.!" Jeffrey laughs. Some traditions are sacred to all fishermen.
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The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department maintains a listing of State Record fish dating back to 1911, when A. Val Woodruff’s 9 lb., 25.5 in. Brook Trout was caught in Pleasant Lake, New London. That record stands to this day. The current State Record list has weights and lengths for 35 freshwater and 14 saltwater/anadromous fish species, but any species of fish is eligible for a state record.
The Trophy Fish program provides recognition for the largest fish each year – kept or released – in 21 freshwater categories and 7 saltwater categories. The information provided by anglers in their Record and Trophy Fish entry form is invaluable to biologists who are grateful for anglers’ "feet in the field". Just for entering a qualifying fish, anglers receive either a "Kept" or "Released" Trophy Fish patch as a thank you for sharing their catch data. At the end of the year all entries are reviewed and the largest fish in each category is awarded a special certificate recognizing the angler and his or her catch. Results are published on this web page sometime in the February following.
Whether you go for records, or bragging rights, or just to relax, you have got to get out there. Take your kids, take your great grandfather, or take a friend – just get out there and fish. You are guaranteed at the very least – to catch a smile and memories that will last and last.
Opportunity Awaits
New Hampshire has two opportunities to compete for "largest fish" caught in state waters -- the NH State Record and Trophy Fish programs. There is no age requirement. By entering, you provide valuable information for fisheries biologists.
NH State Record Fish
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department maintains a listing of State Record fish, dating back to 1911 when A. Val Woodruff's 9-pound, 25.5-inch Brook Trout was caught in Pleasant Lake, New London. That record has not been broken yet. The current State Record list has weights and lengths for 35 freshwater and 14 saltwater/anadromous fish species.
Think you can't get a record anymore? Think again. Three new state records were set in 2016. Just about every year at least one new record is set. Who says it can’t be you?
NH Trophy Fish Program
Fish and Game’s Trophy Fish Program provides recognition for the largest fish -- both kept and released -- in 21 freshwater categories and 7 saltwater categories. If you are 4 or 104 – everyone has the same opportunity for a little well-deserved recognition.
Winners are listed first in their categories.
Just for entering a qualifying fish, the angler receives either a "Kept" or a "Released" Trophy Fish patch. Each February the entries for the previous year are reviewed and the largest in each category will receive a special certificate recognizing the angler and his or her fish. Results are published on this web page. So send in those photos and forms. Mom’s going to be okay with it. We promise.
For more information on the NH State Record or Trophy Fish programs, contact Fisheries Biologist John Viar at (603) 744-5470 or reg2@wildlife.nh.gov.
- Download a Trophy and Record Fish Application Form
and enter your catch!
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