BURRILLVILLE – A Glocester native has set a new state record for the largest rainbow trout, with 15 pound, 12 ounce catch at Peck Pond on Sunday, Jan. 18.
Zachary Taylor of Burrillville broke the previous record of 12 pounds, 9.12 ounces, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish & Wildlife.
To qualify for a Gamefish Award or State Record Award, the division notes that anglers must catch a qualifying fish by rod and reel, tie-up or handline by legal means in Rhode Island waters. The Rhode Island waters must also be open to the public without charge, fee, special permission, or membership.
At 26-inches in length with a 21 inch girth, Taylor’s rainbow trout qualified, putting his name on a long list of those holding records for various salt and freshwater fish found in Rhode Island.
“Congratulations Zachary on your catch,” noted the division, which confirmed the catch, posting the news on social media.
RI DEM stocked both Peck and Round Top Ponds on Tuesday, Jan. 19, the day after Taylor’s catch.
Anyone who believe they may have caught a new state record holder is instructed to bring the fish to an official weigh-in station to be weighed and measured using a digital scale. A complete list of Rhode Island record holders can be found here.
