Antero yields record cutbow trout

8/3/2007

It's confirmed.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has reported that Frank Stack of Lakewood caught the first state record cutbow trout during the opening day at Antero Reservoir on July 17.

"The cutbow is a relatively new fish, but I think it is going to stay around," said Jennifer Churchill, public information officer at the division.

Stack's cutbow weighed 18.8 pounds, had a 24-inch girth and was 28.5 inches long.

"I caught this fish using a Rainbow Kastmaster on 8 pound test. That was the only fish I caught that day on a Kastmaster (though I caught fish on other lures)," Stack said.

Stack was fishing from a float tube and said he used a fast retrieve in extremely calm water.

"I had to play the fish an extra 10 minutes until my son, Scott, caught up to me to help me lift the fish onto my float tube. This couldn't be achieved without physically lifting the fish out of the water... so much for small nets," Stack said.

Antero Reservoir has been a favorite fishing hole for Stack and his friends. Stack said they have been fishing there for the past 20 years.

"I knew when I planned this trip for opening day I would catch a big fish, but 18 and a half pounds, it's unbelievable.

"I am still pinching myself (and the fish) to make sure it's not a dream," Stack said.