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.

Child advocacy centers, recovery housing and diversion programs in West Virginia will receive grants as part of the initial round of $10.4 million distributed by the nonprofit allocating opioid settlement funds in the U.S. state with the highest overdose rate.

The West Virginia First Foundation announced funding Monday for 38 programs across six regions of the state representing “a crucial step in addressing the epidemic with both urgency and care,” Executive Director Jonathan Board said.

The proposals were chosen from 174 applications received by the foundation for funding this year for an initial round of around $19.2 million in grants. Foundation officials say they plan to disperse around $8.8 million in supplemental awards to organizations that weren’t selected for the first round, under the requirement that they make adjustments and reapply.

A total of 11 organizations will receive money for youth substance use prevention and workforce development, with the largest share — $442,800 — going to support Seed Sower, Inc. in the southern West Virginia counties of Fayette, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Nicholas, Webster, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Mercer, Wyoming and McDowell. Ten county commissions, local police departments and other organizations received funding for programs to divert individuals from the criminal justice system and provide them with support and treatment with the largest sum — around $625,650 — going to the Berkeley County Diversion and Interdiction Project.

Seven organizations were granted funding for expanding access to transitional and recovery housing, with Southern WV Fellowship Home, Inc. receiving the largest share, $658,800. Ten child advocacy centers across the state are receiving funding, including North Star Child Advocacy Center in Parkersburg, which will receive $720,000 to expand operations.

“The holidays can be a challenging time for many, and we hope this announcement reinforces a message of hope, recovery, and progress for West Virginia communities,” said Matt Harvey, the foundation’s board chair and prosecuting attorney in Jefferson County.

Officials from 55 West Virginia counties signed on to a memorandum of understanding that allows money to be funneled through the West Virginia First Foundation and dictates how it can be spent. The state Legislature and Gov. Jim Justice gave it the green light earlier this year.

According to the agreement, the foundation is responsible for distributing just under three-quarters of the settlement money. Around a quarter will go directly to local communities and 3% will remain in trust.

The state is receiving money from each of its settlement agreements on a staggered schedule, with annual payments coming until at least 2036. The private foundation alone is expected to receive around $367 million over the next five years.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced that annual hunting, trapping and fishing licenses and stamps for the 2025 seasons are now available for purchase online at WVhunt.com.

“A West Virginia hunting and fishing license is your ticket to unforgettable adventures in the Mountain State,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Whether you’re renewing your annual license and stamps or purchasing a lifetime license for your kids or grandkids, buying your hunting, trapping and fishing licenses and stamps has never been more convenient.”

Annual hunting, trapping and fishing licenses and stamps are valid for the calendar year and may be purchased online at WVhunt.com. To learn more about the WVDNR’s 2025 license products, visit WVdnr.gov/2025-license-guide.

WVDNR Promotes Gift the Outdoors Holiday Guide

In addition to encouraging hunters, trappers and anglers to renew their 2025 licenses and stamps early, the WVDNR is promoting digital gift certificates, online lifetime licenses and collectible license cards as part of its annual Gift the Outdoors holiday campaign.

The gift guide includes the following hunting, fishing and outdoors-related gift ideas:

• WVDNR Gift Certificates: Can be used to purchase licenses stamps and other hunting and fishing privileges.
• West Virginia Lifetime Licenses: A timeless gift for children and grandchildren providing a lifetime of hunting and fishing adventures.
• Wonderful West Virginia Magazine Subscriptions: This flagship publication of the WVDNR features immersive storytelling and breathtaking photos that celebrate the natural beauty of West Virginia.

To learn more about these holiday gift options, visit WVdnr.gov/gift-2024.