The Western Native Trout Challenge (WNTC) is a multi-state program hosted by the Western Native Trout Initiative.
How to start your western Native Trout Challenge
The Western Native Trout Challenge invites anglers to help celebrate our western legacy by catching native trout and char in each of the 12 participating Western states, at their own pace. By attempting to catch 18 species throughout 12 states (at the master angler level), participants can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!
If the lure of the West is not on your bucket list now, once you learn about the beauty of the fish and the locations where you can participate, it will likely become one!
Why do the Challenge?
It’s both fun and meaningful! Your participation helps to fund Western Native Trout Initiative conservation efforts. For every $25 program registration fee, $23 goes toward helping to conserve these species. In 2020, our first year of Western Native Trout Challenge registration fees and donations supported Westslope Cutthroat Trout in a project called Cottonwood Creek Fish Passage Barrier Project for Native Trout Security in Montana. In subsequent years, Western Native Trout Challenge registration fees have supported multiple WNTI small grant projects.
Where to find trout in their native habitat
Each of the state fish and wildlife agencies selected the species they wanted to include in the Challenge, so that you can experience a variety of the unique habitats occupied by native western trout.
See species by state
All participants will receive a full-color certificate featuring the graphic designs of noted artist Joseph Tomelleri to commemorate your catch.
Expert caster
Catch and photograph six species across at least four states
Receive commemorative certificate plus a baseball cap.
Advanced Caster
Catch and photograph 12 species across at least eight states.
Receive commemorative certificate plus a medallion.
Master caster
Catch and photograph 18 species across all 12 states.
Receive commemorative certificate plus a medallion.
get started today!
Follow these steps to get out west
1 . Register for the Challenge. Cost is $25 for adults 18+ and free for youth 17 and under. Be sure to take time to learn about aquatic invasive species prevention.
2 . Plan your journey, be sure to buy your license for each state, and go fishing! Catch and photograph fish in their native or historic waters. This is a lifetime challenge – take as much or as little time as you need to complete it, at your pace.
3 . Certify your catch by submitting a photo and description of each trout or char and when and where you caught it. The photo needs to be of the fish, you do not need to be in the photo unless you want to be. More details will be provided to you after registration on how to complete this step.
4 . Get your official certificate, hat, or medallion (depending on the Challenge level you complete) and share great stories of your adventures!