Joe Bouta sets new lake trout state record

The Minnesota state catch and release records have had new entries added to the book in recent weeks, including a new lake trout record set by local Joe Bouta. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced June 1 Bouta caught the 45.5-inch lake trough off Lake Superior in May and is now certified as the new state catch and release record. Bouta broke the record of Matthew Hammer from White Bear Township, who caught a fish of 44 inches just two weeks before, also off of Lake Superior.