The 2025 California Trout Fish Water People Photo Contest, presented in collaboration with California Fly Fisher, made quite a splash this year—with more than 500 stunning entries celebrating the wild beauty of California’s waters, fish, and people who care for them.
From fog-draped rivers to golden trout streams under big Sierra skies, the submissions captured the heart of why we fish and why we protect these places. Our judges had an impossible job—narrowing down so many extraordinary shots—but they rose to the challenge.
A huge thank-you to everyone who entered, voted, or shared the contest. Your images remind us why it matters to show up every day for the California we love.
Congratulations to the winners!
GRAND PRIZE AWARD
“Merced River in Yosemite Valley in the Rain”
by Santiago Rodriguez
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
“Lucky Shot”
by Shannon Thompson
EMERGING PHOTGRAPHER AWARD (Ages 18-25)
“Jumping Brook Trout”
by Nate Cutler
BEST FISH PHOTO
“Backcountry Reward”
by Seth Blackamore
