Hunter Rohr from Buckhannon, West Virginia, has made headlines by catching a golden rainbow trout that broke the record for length and weight during the Gold Rush event in the state. The 15-year-old angler reeled in a 28-inch, 11.84-pound golden rainbow trout from the Smoke Hole section of the South Branch of the Potomac River in Pendleton County.
This impressive catch surpasses the previous records held by Gerald Estep and Charles Lilly Jr. Gerald Estep previously held the length record with a 27.5-inch golden rainbow trout caught in 1987 at Stonecoal Lake in Lewis County. Charles Lilly Jr. held the weight record with a 9.72-pound golden rainbow trout caught during the Gold Rush event in 2023 at Little Beaver Lake in Raleigh County.
The new state record set by Hunter Rohr has been confirmed by WVDNR District 3 Fisheries Biologist Jim Walker. WVDNR Director Brett McMillion expressed pride in Hunter’s achievement, emphasizing the diversity of fishing opportunities in West Virginia and the passion anglers of all ages bring to the sport.
Anglers interested in learning more about state fish record categories can refer to the West Virginia Regulations Summary. It is important to note that all anglers aged 15 and above must have a West Virginia fishing license, obtainable online at WVfish.com, along with a trout stamp when fishing for trout.
(Check West Virginia Regulations Summary for more information on state fish record categories; anglers above 15 need a fishing license and trout stamp.)
Copyright 2026 WDTV. All rights reserved.
