The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced the winners of its fourth annual Monster Trout Contest. The five lucky anglers each caught a tagged monster trout, which were stocked during the weeks of Oct. 20 and Oct. 27.

“Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to all the anglers who got out on the water to participate in our fall trout stockings this year,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Your enthusiasm and support for West Virginia’s incredible trout fishing opportunities help make programs like this possible, and we look forward to seeing even more folks enjoying our waters in the year ahead.”

This year’s grand prize winner and recipient of a West Virginia State Park cabin stay is Michael Waugh of Clarksburg. Other winners include Bonny Davis of Mount Jackson, Va., Cameron Irizarry of Parkersburg, Cory Rexrode of Bartow and William Biyce of Fenwick, all of whom will receive a Bass Pro Shops prize package.

This year’s fall trout stockings included 40,000 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 21 to submit a photo of their catch with the tag number to win a prize.

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 2026 fishing adventures are encouraged to renew their license early online at WVfish.com.