Troutfest is a celebration of trout, the people who chase them, and the lower Deschutes River. The event is a megaphone for the conservation efforts of the Deschutes River Alliance and an opportunity to drive diverse and equitable tourism in rural Central Oregon.

We recognize that non-typical anglers may not attend due to a lack of representation, financial barriers, or an awareness gap of the event. In partnership with Visit Central Oregon, we are launching the Troutfest Scholarship Program to address some of these challenges head on.

INCLUDED in the SCHOLARSHIP

• $500 Travel Stipend: Intended to offset transportation, lodging, and fishing license expense(s).

• Casting Instruction: Fees waived for an All-Day Casting Clinic* ($275 value) or 1:1 “Casting Doctor” Session ($50 value)

  • All-day casting clinics will take place on Friday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st from 9:00am - 4:00pm at the Imperial River Company

  • 1:1 “casting doctor” sessions will take place 10:00am - 5:00pm on the Troutfest grounds

  • *Previous angling experience required for the all-day casting clinic

• Campsite: Thursday, May 29th - Sunday, June 1st

• Troutfest Hat & T-Shirt

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Committed to protecting and promoting the lower Deschutes River

• A person who, for any reason, has experienced a financial barrier to tourism in rural Central Oregon (specifically the lower Deschutes River).

• Committed to being part of an inclusive river community and embodying ethical, responsible fishing practices as defined by tribal and government regulations.

• Capable of covering any additional travel and lodging expenses beyond the $500 travel stipend awarded with this scholarship.

• 18 years or older.

WAIVER & PHOTO RELEASE

Scholarship recipients must complete a liability and photo release form, which will be included in the scholarship award email. Throughout Troutfest, event sponsors will capture numerous photos and videos to celebrate, promote, and uphold the event's values and purpose. Deschutes River Alliance and our sponsors will utilize this media to share on various social platforms.  Additionally, we will provide a media folder that you can utilize on your platforms.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Scholarship Questions

• In 200 words or less, please describe any financial challenges you’ve encountered traveling to rural Central Oregon or fishing the lower Deschutes River.

• In 200 words or less, please describe what the lower Deschutes means to you personally. How has the river (or lack of access to it) impacted your life, values, and perspectives?

• What does making this celebration more inclusive mean to you?

AWARD PROCESS

Scholarship applications are to be submitted through the Troutfest Scholarship Google Form.

1. Scholarship is open from Wednesday, April 9th - Sunday, May 4th

2. All applicant information will be compiled anonymously by a Deschutes River Alliance staff member not on the Scholarship Selection Team on 5/5/2025.

3.  The Scholarship Selection Team will meet to discuss the anonymous applicants 5/5/25 – 5/7/25.

4. The Scholarship Chair will inform applicants of the award decisions on 5/7/25.

5. The Scholarship winners will be announced on 5/12/25.

The Scholarship Selection Team comprises of individuals from DRA staff, DRA board, and Visit Central Oregon. Please email peter@deschutesriveralliance.org with any questions.