Walleye, trout and salmon Minnesota stamp winners named

St. Paul — Shoreview artist Scott Wenner has won the Minnesota 2026 trout and salmon stamp contest with an acrylic painting of a brown trout, and Shakopee artist Mark Thone is the winner of the walleye stamp contest with an acrylic painting of two walleyes. Judging for both contests was held July 31.

In the trout and salmon stamp contest – which had eight eligible submissions – there was a tie for second place, with St. Paul artist Matt Linz creating an oil painting of a brown trout. The other second-place winner was Bemidji artist Samuel Larsen, with an acrylic painting of a lake trout.

In the walleye stamp contest – which had nine eligible submissions – the runner-up was Larsen, with an acrylic painting. Third place went to Lakeville artist Rochelle Blumberg, with an oil painting of a walleye.

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The Minnesota DNR uses revenue from voluntary purchases of walleye stamps to fund walleye stocking in Minnesota’s lakes. Revenue from trout and salmon stamps (which are required for anglers ages 18 to 64 who fish in designated trout waters or possess trout) is dedicated to trout and salmon management and habitat work.

Visit the DNR’s stamp webpage for more information about habitat stamps and contest guidelines.