In 2026, Trout Unlimited launched a national campaign, Every River Needs a Champion, to highlight the importance of individual action to restore, protect, and maintain healthy rivers and their watersheds. Being a River Champion is much is more than angling – it’s about taking sustained action to promote clean water, resilient ecosystems, and healthy communities for all. Anyone can be a River Champion through actions such as volunteering, sharing expertise, supporting conservation efforts, educating others, and advocating for policies that protect our cold water rivers and watersheds from impacts such as abandoned mines, destructive activities, invasive species, and barriers to fish passage.
The Trout Unlimited California Council has established a River Champions Recognition Program to recognize individuals in California who have made consistent and meaningful contributions in our state to Trout Unlimited’s mission to care for and recover rivers and streams. California has a critical need for River Champions due to our uniquely diverse and extensive range of watersheds, numerous environmental challenges, and the largest population of any state in the US.
Leaders of Trout Unlimited Chapters and the California Council nominate candidates for consideration by the Council. Candidates can be TU members, leaders, staff members, partners, or supporters who have consistently contributed to California’s coldwater resources through activities such as restoration work, policy advocacy, education, or leadership & service. We recognize individuals whose efforts have had significant, measurable impact over time.
We celebrate our recognized River Champions by profiling their achievements (such as in posts here) and by awarding each River Champion a unique Challenge Coin. We know that River Champions do what they do for their love of the rivers they champion; the Challenge Coin and recognition show that we see them and are grateful for their efforts.
Look for profiles of River Champions and their achievements in future posts.