Navajo Technical University 2026 Trout Fishing Tournament

Tsaile Lake, Arizona — On July 18, 2026, anglers gathered at the beautiful Tsaile Lake for a wonderful event sponsored by Navajo Technical University. Filled with friendly competition, family fun, and fishing, the 2026 NTU Trout Tournament proved to be a major success. Despite an initial bout of rain, the weather cleared, allowing participants to escape the busy weekend hustle and enjoy the many excellent fishing spots around Tsaile Lake and its surrounding areas.

Anglers utilized a variety of fishing methods throughout the tournament. Some opted to venture out onto the pristine waters in boats, while others chose to station themselves along the shoreline, precisely casting out their lines with high anticipation. The overall atmosphere was filled with the excitement of the chase as everyone competed to reel in the most impressive trout.

The trout event enjoyed a fantastic turnout, with more than 30 adults and over 10 youth participating. Everyone had a wonderful time, and Navajo Nation Game officials were present on-site to verify that all participants possessed the proper paperwork and licenses.

The Youth Scoreboard highlighted several outstanding accomplishments:

1st Place: Christopher James — 15 ¾ inches / 1 lb. 1 ½ oz.
2nd Place: Dalton Yazzie — 14 ¾ inches / 1 lb. ½ oz.
3rd Place: Alzado Lansing — 13 ¼ inches / 14 ½ oz.
4th Place: Aaron Tsosie Jr. — 12 ¾ inches / 13 oz.
5th Place: StevieRay Ashley — 13 inches / 12 ½ oz.
6th Place: Shiah Jim — 12 inches / 11 ½ oz.
7th Place: Dalton Yazzie — 12 inches / 11 ½ oz.

The Adult Scoreboard also featured a series of impressive triumphs:

1st Place: Kellen Denny — 17 inches / 1 lb. 13 ½ oz.
2nd Place: Arlo Lansing — 16 inches / 1 lb. 10 ½ oz.
3rd Place: Tavon Judge — 16 ½ inches / 1 lb. 8 oz.
4th Place: Owen Morris — 15 ¾ inches / 1 lb. 8 oz.
5th Place: Kellen Denny — 16 inches / 1 lb. 6 ½ oz.
6th Place: Lyle Billy — 16 ½ inches / 1 lb. 6 oz.
7th Place: Maxton Calladitto — 16 inches / 1 lb. 6 oz.

Reflecting on the successful day, George commented: “I want to express my gratitude to the Marketing team, Dale and Wade, as well as our Chinle recruiter, Jarvis Draper, for their incredible support during the event. We also owe a huge thank you to the Crownpoint and Chinle Business Offices for handling the credit card payments. I couldn’t have done this all by myself, and I am just so happy that we were able to create lifelong memories with our friends and families.”

LaFrance shared his heartfelt appreciation for everyone who pitched in to make the tournament a success. The gathering served as a wonderful celebration of both competition and sportsmanship. In addition to the main scoreboard, special rewards were handed out to those who caught the smallest fish, the most fish, and the person who traveled the farthest distance to join the tournament.

Heartfelt thanks go to the Buu Nygren Administration for generously donating the gifts awarded to the tournament winners.

Go Skyhawks!