West Virginia’s monster trout contest is back

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is offering a chance to win some pretty impressive prizes during the 2025 Monster Trout Contest.

Monster trout stocking has already started for the season, and among the 46,500 pounds of trout being stocked in 41 lakes and streams across the state, there are 100 monster trout with a pink tag. Anglers who catch one of these pink-tagged monster trout will be entered to win a West Virginia State Parks cabin stay or one of several Bass Pro Shop packages.

The contest is a way to highlight the fall trout stocking that takes place in West Virginia every October. This year’s stocking will take place the weeks of Oct. 20 and 27.

“Fall trout stockings give anglers a chance to try their luck at catching a trophy-size fish when fall color is peaking around the state,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said in a press release. “We encourage anglers to take advantage of this unique opportunity with their families and friends.”

To fish for trout in West Virginia and enter the contest, anglers must have a valid West Virginia fishing license, trout stamp and ID if they are 15 or older.

Although there are 41 bodies of water scheduled to be stocked, the WVDNR said that if water levels become too low, the stocking will become more selective. Anglers can see a list of recently stocked rivers, lakes and streams online here.

To be eligible for one of the Monster Trout Contest prizes, a photo of the pink-tagged monster trout and the tag number must be submitted online by Nov. 21, 2025.