Governor Jim Justice recently announced the winners of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ third annual Monster Trout Contest.
“Congratulations to these lucky anglers for reeling in some truly incredible catches,” Justice said. “As a lifelong angler I also want to thank everyone for sharing their monster trout photos during our fall trout stockings and showing the world that West Virginia is a premier fishing destination.”
The five lucky anglers each caught a tagged monster trout, which were stocked during the weeks of Oct. 21 and Oct. 28. Those stockings included 35,000 pounds of trophy-size trout and 6,500 pounds of monster trout, 100 of which received a pink tag. Anglers who caught a tagged monster trout had until November 22 to submit a photo of their catch with the tag number to win a prize.
2024 West Virginia Monster Trout Contest Winners
- Steve Davis (Lashmeet, W.Va.) – State Park Cabin Stay
- Donavan Miller (Saulsville, W.Va.) – Cabela’s Prize Package
- Katie Rice (Morgantown, W.Va.) – Cabela’s Prize Package
- Caleb Shelek (Dallas, W.Va.) – Cabela’s Prize Package
- Kenneth McIntosh (Crown Point, Ind.) – Cabela’s Prize Package
Click here to view winning photos.
In addition to these five winners, 38 verified anglers who caught tagged monster trout and uploaded a photo will also receive a WVDNR water bottle and tackle box.
Special Elk River Fall Trout Stockings
Governor Justice also reminded anglers that the WVDNR stocked trout on the Elk River in Webster County in November as part of a pilot program to evaluate the economic impact of trout stocking in the area. The stocking occurred at the usual stocking locations and included 750 rainbow trout. A second stocking will take place later in December and include another 750 rainbow trout.
2025 Fishing Licenses Now Available
All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license, trout stamp and a valid form of identification while fishing for trout. Anglers who want to get a head start on planning their 2025 fishing adventures are encouraged to renew their license early online at WVfish.com.
