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 walleye. Judging for both contests was held on 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 Bemidji artist Samuel Larsen with an acrylic painting. Third place went to Lakeville artist Rochelle Blumberg with an oil painting of a walleye.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 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 18-64 who fish in designated trout waters or possess trout) is dedicated to trout and salmon management and habitat work.
Winning Stamp for Trout and Salmon by artist Scott Wenner of Shoreview
Winning Stamp for Walleye by artist Mark Thone of Shakopee
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