The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources recently announced that Robert Riggs of Grant Town, W.Va., has set a new state record for tiger trout. Riggs caught the 27.60-inch, 12.55-pound tiger trout on March 28 at Mannington Lake in Marion County using a casting spoon and 6-pound test line.

His catch surpasses the previous state weight record of 11.98 pounds set by Nathaniel Smith at New Creek Lake. However, the tiger trout length record of 28.7 inches recorded by Mike Connolly in 2011 at Krodel Lake remains unbroken. WVDNR District 1 fisheries biologist Dustin Smith verified Rigg’s record catch.

“This incredible catch highlights the outstanding fishing opportunities that West Virginia has to offer,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “We encourage anglers to get outside, cast a line and experience the thrill of fishing in our state’s waters this spring. You never know when you might reel in a record-breaker.”

To learn more about state fish record categories, anglers may consult page 28 in the West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations. Details about the Trophy Fish Citation and Master Angler programs may be found on page 32.

As a reminder, all anglers 15 and older must have a valid West Virginia fishing license and a form of identification while fishing. Those fishing for trout are also required to have a trout stamp. Fishing licenses and stamps can be purchased online at WVfish.com, where anglers can also upgrade their annual license with a collectible license card.