The second largest fish recorded caught in Nevada over the past 40 years was a 37-pound, 6-ounce Mackinaw trout snagged from Lake Tahoe in 1974.
Most trophy fish end up in one of two places, according to Nevada Department of Wildlife fisheries biologist Mark Warren: in the record book or on a platter.
"Unfortunately, a lot of state records have been eaten and not recorded," said Warren.
Those recorded for 2006 appear in the just-released "Trophy Fish Program Stream and Lake Records." It includes trophy fish recorded since 1968. The report is available on the agency's Web site, www.ndow.org.
The book can be a useful tool for anglers and biologists alike. "Record books like this can identify both hotspots and declines, information anglers can use," said Warren.
"With only 14 biologists in the field, it's also a management tool for us," he said.
The report details record-sized fish caught in Nevada: the largest fish of the year by species, all trophy fish entrants for the year, and a summary of record fish by water.
Winning entries receive certificates from NDOW. State records receive a plaque.
To be considered for a state record, an entry form must be completed, the fish weighed on a certified scale witnessed by an NDOW employee, and a photo of the fish submitted.
"Some anglers prefer to catch and release, and it can be a challenge to get the fish properly recorded," Warren said.
"Cutthroat trout from Pyramid Lake and largemouth bass at Lake Mead have been successfully recorded and returned to the water. Who knows? Maybe those two will be caught and again be recorded on the pages of the 'Trophy Fish Stream and Lake Records,'" said Warren.
