Angler, trout get reacquainted

GREEN RIVER, Wyo., March 17 (UPI) -- A Wyoming Game and Fish biologist says the lake trout he caught recently may have been one he stocked 25 years ago.

Bill Wengert said he was fishing in southwest Wyoming's Flaming Gorge Reservoir when he reeled in the 2.5-pound, 23-inch Mackinaw, the Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune reported Monday.

Wengert said he researched the markings on the fish and discovered he may have been present when the fish was released into the reservoir in April 1983.

"I may have actually clipped the fins on this very fish and I know I was driving the barge when the fish were stocked, nearly 25 years ago," he said.

He said the fish's relatively small size belied its age -- similarly aged catch made in 2004 measured 35 inches and weighed in 17.1 pounds.

"I have looked at thousands of fish in my career and I never would have guessed that fish was so old," he said.

Wengert said the fish will provide researchers with "an opportunity to learn more about fish genetics, age and growth of lake trout in the reservoir."