Official state fish subject of annual trout stamp art contest

Nevada's state fish, the Lahontan cutthroat trout, will be depicted on the state's trout stamp for the 2003-2004 license year.

The Division of Wildlife's annual Nevada Trout Stamp art competition, which began in 1986, is sponsored this year by the Southern Nevada Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

The trout stamp art contest is held each year as a method of obtaining high quality artwork for the stamp. The winning entry will be portrayed in full color on the 2003-2004 Nevada Trout Stamp, which is required of all anglers 12 years of age and older who fish for trout on any water in the state. Proceeds from the sale of the stamp support NDOW's fish hatchery operations.

In 1985, the Nevada Legislature first authorized the issuance of a trout stamp. In the 2001 Legislative Session, Assembly Bill 199 was heard and passed unanimously, raising the cost of the stamp to $10 beginning with the 2002-2003 license year. All revenue from the sales of trout stamps will be exclusively dedicated to the upkeep and refurbishment of the state's hatcheries, all of which are requiring major repair and renovation work to continue meeting the fish stocking needs of Nevada's put-and-take fisheries.

The Southern Nevada Chapter of Trout Unlimited was chosen to sponsor the contest by the State Board of Wildlife Commissioners. A seven-member judging team will select the winning entry in late September. The deadline for entries is Friday, Sept. 13, 2002. The contest is open to all artists regardless of residence.

Although the winning artist does not receive compensation for their artwork, they do keep their original painting and are allowed to produce and sell a limited edition print series. These prints usually sell for around $175.

The Lahontan cutthroat trout, native to the Lahontan basin of northwestern Nevada, was designated as the official state fish by the 1981 Nevada State Legislature. When prehistoric Lake Lahontan receded and dried approximately 8,000 years ago, the separation of its major tributaries effectively isolated the cutthroat in the Carson, Walker, Truckee and Humboldt river systems.

Those interested in participating in the contest may obtain complete contest rules and an entry form by writing to Nevada Division of Wildlife, Trout Stamp Contest, 1100 Valley Road, Reno, NV 89512, or by visiting NDOW's headquarters office at 1100 Valley Road, Reno.