Enter the 2026 Minnesota Fish Art Contest!
© Wildlife Forever
Are you a Minnesota student who loves to draw fish? Enter the Minnesota Fish Art Contest today for a chance to win great prizes and state and national honors! Submit your entry by February 28, 2026.
Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, in partnership with White Bear Lake-based non-profit Wildlife Forever, is hosting this year’s competition, which is free and open to all Minnesota students in grades K-12.
How to Enter + Contest Details
With an adult, review the Rules & Guidelines for the 2026 Contest.
Select any fish species of your choice. Some species are eligible for special awards! Learn more about the 2026 Specialty Awards.
Use books and reputable online resources to research your fish species.
Create your State-Fish Art Entry consisting of two parts:
Part A: Fish Illustration: An original HORIZONTAL illustration between 8.5″- 9″ tall and 11″- 12″ wide in size featuring a species of your choice. New this year, we're now accepting 3D entries in addition to 2D artwork! Students may submit up to two entries—one in each medium. 3D entries will be judged separately and are not part of state contests. View the 3D entry form.
Part B: Creative Writing (required for students in grades 4-12): A personally written essay (one side of one page) about your chosen fish species. Essays are not required for K-3 students:
Length: no more than one side of one page, typed preferred, with the contestants name, grade, and state on the back.
Creative writing should show the contestants knowledge, connection to and/or understanding of their chosen fish.
Creative writing submissions may be decorated, have illustrations, or be creative in appearance but the words should be the main focus of the piece.
Creative writing is not required for contestants in grades K-3.
Prizes
Artwork is separated into four categories based on participant age: K-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade, 7th-9th grade, and 10th-12th grade. Our judges select a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner for each age group. Prizes are as follows:
1st place: fishing-themed prize package with items from Rapala and a subscription to Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine
2nd and 3rd place: subscription to Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine
All 1st place winners will advance to compete in the United States National Judging. More information about awards can be found on the Art of Conservation website.
**IMPORTANT: The 2026 Minnesota Fish Art Contest is accepting digital submissions only.***
ENTRY FORM: To enter the contest, fill out the Minnesota Entry Form. Contest winners will receive prizes. Winners will be announced at the beginning of May 2026.
The 2026 Minnesota Fish Art Contest is not open to the immediate relatives of Wildlife Forever, DNR or third-party sponsor employees.
