Idaho angler lands largest catch-and-release smallmouth bass on record

AHSAHKA, Idaho (CBS2) — An Idaho angler caught a 23.5 inch smallmouth bass, breaking the state's record for the largest catch-and-release of the species.

The fisherman, Travis Wendt, made his catch in Dworshak Reservoir on May 10th. He beat out Dusty Shepard's 22.75 inch record, set in 2020.

Wendt's catch also competed with some of the heaviest bass recorded from the Dworshak Reservoir. It was likely close in weight to the 23.75 inch record catch by Dan Steigers in 2006.