FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2025
Louisville, CO - onWater Fish, Trout Unlimited, USGS, and Conservation X Labs (previously WildMe) are officially launching TroutSpotter, a groundbreaking program that uses artificial intelligence to transform how anglers contribute to fisheries science and conservation.
For the first time, everyday anglers will help care for trout fisheries by snapping a photo of their catch while on the water. This is made possible through a groundbreaking collaboration bringing together a recreational fishing technology platform, conservation nonprofit, a government science agency, and an artificial intelligence nonprofit.
While making a quick and easy journal entry in the onWater Fish app and submitting it to the TroutSpotter program, anglers help train the TroutSpotter machine-learning model, which is being developed to identify individual trout and collect critical data to advance research, conservation, and habitat protection. This effort not only strengthens app users' fishing knowledge by way of in-depth journal insights, but it also has the potential to fuel large-scale conservation science.
“TroutSpotter is a powerful example of what happens when anglers, scientists, and technology come together,” said Helen Neville, Senior Scientist at Trout Unlimited. “With every fishing journal entry that’s opted into TroutSpotter, anglers are directly contributing to science and conservation in a way that was never before possible.”
The TroutSpotter partnership brings together expertise across technology, science, and conservation:
- Trout Unlimited provides leadership in conservation, science and angler engagement.
- USGS applies scientific rigor to fisheries research and ecological monitoring.
- Conservation X Labs contributes advanced machine-learning and AI expertise for species recognition.
- onWater Fish bridges anglers and science, creating mobile tools that empower smarter fishing and stronger fisheries
By joining the program, anglers will:
- Help train a next-generation machine-learning model for fisheries science.
- Provide critical real-world data to support conservation and management of trout waters.
- Leverage onWater's robust journaling tool with next-level data analysis of every catch, making every angler that uses it smarter and more productive on the water.
“onWater Fish was built to connect anglers with more than just maps and data; it’s a platform where recreation, conservation, and community science intersect,” said Toren Shirk, onWater’s Director of Product Innovation and team lead for TroutSpotter. “With TroutSpotter, we’re showing that anglers are not only enjoying rivers, they're supporting science, protecting ecosystems, and proving their role as essential stewards of our waters.”
Call to Action
Every submission makes an impact! And anglers everywhere are encouraged to join the effort while we work towards a goal of at least 800 submissions this season.
- Download the onWater Fish app (iOS or Android).
- Create a free account.
- Log journal entries and opt into TroutSpotter to simultaneously become a smarter angler and a community scientist.
About TroutSpotter
TroutSpotter is a collaborative initiative between Trout Unlimited, USGS, Conservation X Labs, and onWater Fish. The program uses angler-submitted data to train machine learning models that will advance fisheries research, strengthen conservation efforts, and empower anglers to play an active role in protecting coldwater ecosystems. Visit the TroutSpotter web page to learn more at https://www.onwaterapp.com/features/troutspotter
About onWater Fish
onWater Fish is a digital platform built to make fishing more connected and conservation-driven. With tools for planning trips, mapping waters, journaling, and engaging with the community, onWater empowers anglers while supporting healthy fisheries and the organizations that protect them.
About Trout Unlimited
Trout Unlimited is the nation’s leading conservation organization working to care for and recover rivers and streams and their trout and salmon populations. We bring people together across the country to be champions for their rivers and help make our water cleaner and our communities healthier.
About USGS
The U.S. Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the U.S. government, providing impartial research on ecosystems, natural resources, and environmental health.
About Conservation X Labs (previously WildMe)
Conservation X Labs is a nonprofit organization that develops AI and machine learning tools to support wildlife research and conservation around the globe.
Contacts:
Toren Shirk, Director of Product Innovation at onWater - toren@onwaterapp.com
Lindsay Kocka, Community Engagement & Partnerships at onWater - lindsay@onwaterapp.com
Helen Neville, Senior Scientist at Trout Unlimited - helen.neville@tu.org
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App
Introduction
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Conclusion
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