Rules of Engagement

We ask participants to register for the Challenge before they begin fishing because it helps us manage the program AND because we want participants to read the information in the registration packet on how to prevent potential spread of aquatic invasive species before you start traveling from state to state. HAVE FUN while you learn about these unique fish, pursue them through beautiful western landscapes, and help to conserve our western native trout and char.
Know the current fishing regulations that apply to the state where you are fishing and learn how to accurately measure fish to abide by the regulations. By following fishing regulations, you are building and conserving fish populations for future generations of anglers.
No fish caught prior to the program launch month of May 2019 will be “grandfathered” into an application for a certificate. No fish caught in Montana prior to June 15, 2019, can be counted toward this Challenge per the rules of our permit.
You may only count each species caught once. For instance, you cannot catch a Colorado River Cutthroat Trout in Colorado and Utah and count that as two fish in two states.
Challenge rules do not differentiate between wild fish or hatchery fish.
Native trout must be caught in their historic range or watershed, with the exception of Montana, where fish must be caught in stocked lakes and reservoirs as indicated on the Montana section of the Challenge Map. Check each state’s information on the Challenge Map before you go fishing, to ensure your fish will count toward the Challenge.
There are no time restrictions to complete the Challenge. You can complete a level in one year, 20 years, or a lifetime.
Each fish caught counts just once within each Challenge level. You cannot re-submit previously caught fish in different combinations to earn multiple “Expert Caster” level certificates and hats. However, fish caught to earn your “Expert Caster” level can be re-submitted in an application for a higher-level (Advanced or Master Caster) certificate.
You must send in all documentation for completion of any Challenge level at one time – with all information and photos submitted at once. Click here for our online form to submit your completion information and photos. If you would like a hard copy of this form to track your progress or to mail in your completion information and photos, click here. Please note that if you mail in your completion form, it will take much longer for us to review your information as everything has be scanned and entered into our records.
All photos and completion applications become the property of the Western Native Trout Initiative and cannot be returned.
After completion documentation is reviewed by the Western Native Trout Initiative and representatives of the 12 state fish and wildlife agencies participating in the program, anglers will be notified by mail. All decisions of the review committee are final.

Additional rules specific to the Expert Caster level:

You can earn multiple versions of the Expert Caster level using different combinations of trout species and different combinations of states, but cannot re-submit the same trout from a previous application as part of an additional Expert Caster certificate.
You may catch the same species again on a different date and/or location to qualify for additional Expert Caster certificates.
You may choose to focus only on this level and achieve one or multiple Expert Caster certificates, or may use fish caught at this level to count toward the Advanced Caster or Master Caster levels (with careful planning).
Be aware that because the “prizes” for the Challenge (and postage to mail them out) are heavily subsidized, each registration fee entitles each registrant to one hat, two medallions, and three certificates. Once you have received three prizes/certificates (limit one hat), you need to register again for an additional hat, medallions, and certificates. If you choose to complete the Expert Caster level two or three times, each time counts as one of the certificates included in your registration. We can only provide one hat per registration. If you want additional hats to accompany your second or third Expert Caster certificate, you would need to register again.

Additional rules specific to Advanced and Master Caster levels:

For the Advanced and Master Caster levels, you can submit fish you previously caught (and were approved) for completion of an Expert Caster level certificate. For example, you can complete two separate Expert Caster level certificates with 12 trout across eight states. As long as you plan carefully and do not duplicate states or species, and also meet the requirements for the Advanced or Master Caster levels, those same fish could also count toward an Advanced or Master level certificate and medallion. This will require careful planning!

Ready to play?

Before you register, we need you to read a very short presentation about how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The registration link is provided at the end of the presentation.

All participants will receive a frameable certificate of full color Joseph Tomelleri graphics, along with a list of the fish you caught (state/species/date caught) signed by the WNTI Coordinator and Steering Committee Chair.