Ültroüt
What on Earth is Ültroüt?
Many can relate to the dilemma following the completion of a goal only to feel hollow inside and wonder "what's next?". Such was the case for several of our Troutman finishers, who decided that super-sizing the Troutman challenge was the only way to fill that deep and painful void.
Ültroüt is the resultant beast. Here are the basics:
1) Run at least 50 miles…
2) …with an elevation gain of more than 5,000 vertical feet…
3) …and catch five fish species (at least 4 different trout species as well as a fifth unique species of your choosing)…
4) …washing the entire adventure down with a craft beer greater than 15% ABV (or appropriately awesome substitute)…
5) …all within 18 hours.
But what if there aren't 4 trout species in my area?
As this is the Ültroüt, we must insist that a majority of the fish species caught on your journey be salmonids (trout, char, freshwater whitefish, grayling...). With advanced coordination and approval, we will approve up to two substitute non-salmonid species to count towards the 5.
Do hybrids count?
Potentially. An easily distinguishable hybrid (e.g. Tiger trout or ) can count if you need it to, but something like a cutbow where there can be a spectrum of hybridization, this is definitely a gray area that we feel less comfortable in. Again, we encourage you to reach out ahead of time to see if your anticipated species assortment is likely to raise any red flags.
Many can relate to the dilemma following the completion of a goal only to feel hollow inside and wonder "what's next?". Such was the case for several of our Troutman finishers, who decided that super-sizing the Troutman challenge was the only way to fill that deep and painful void.
Ültroüt is the resultant beast. Here are the basics:
1) Run at least 50 miles…
2) …with an elevation gain of more than 5,000 vertical feet…
3) …and catch five fish species (at least 4 different trout species as well as a fifth unique species of your choosing)…
4) …washing the entire adventure down with a craft beer greater than 15% ABV (or appropriately awesome substitute)…
5) …all within 18 hours.
But what if there aren't 4 trout species in my area?
As this is the Ültroüt, we must insist that a majority of the fish species caught on your journey be salmonids (trout, char, freshwater whitefish, grayling...). With advanced coordination and approval, we will approve up to two substitute non-salmonid species to count towards the 5.
Do hybrids count?
Potentially. An easily distinguishable hybrid (e.g. Tiger trout or ) can count if you need it to, but something like a cutbow where there can be a spectrum of hybridization, this is definitely a gray area that we feel less comfortable in. Again, we encourage you to reach out ahead of time to see if your anticipated species assortment is likely to raise any red flags.
OK, that sounds straightforward. What are the actual rules?
Identical to the Troutman (just bigger), the rules are the same, with a few additional ones:
Identical to the Troutman (just bigger), the rules are the same, with a few additional ones:
- You must already have earned a Troutman belt buckle to attempt this challenge. If you are not on this list, your attempt will be treated as a standard Troutman attempt.
- Limited support is allowed, in that you can meet/stage a vehicle somewhere to refill water, add pack snacks, replace flies, etc... Advanced support (e.g. someone catching fish for you, an ATV ride) is lame and therefore expressly forbidden.
- You will need to document your experience with a .gpx file showing your route and timing (unless we are with you when it happens).
- We understand that some people don't drink alcohol for perfectly legitimate reasons. This does not disqualify you from attempting our long-distance fishing challenges. That said, you are required to do "something" at the finish of your attempt to celebrate the relative insanity of your accomplishment. For example, instead of a high octane beer, you could eat a Carolina Reaper pepper, or drink a quart of half and half, eat a half dozen jelly donuts, or blast yourself lightly with bear mace. These are all just suggestions, and we are open to others, but for your alternate to count, you must obtain prior approval by sending an us email.
- You will need to produce at least 5 fish pictures per participant (no sharing fish, and each photo must have the date, time, and GPS coordinates attached to it), and a photo of your big ABV celebration beer.
Will I get anything amazing if I am successful at Ültroüt?
Yes, if you are successful at the Ültroüt challenge, you will be celebrated with a custom Ültroüt belt buckle that will be presented free of charge to first-time finishers of the challenge. However, because we are not made of money, subsequent successful Ültroüt efforts can be rewarded with a buckle (but we will need you to cover the cost of that second, fifth, tenth one...).
Do I need to do do anything special to register for the Ültroüt?
Let's be honest, if you are attempting an Ültroüt, we already know who you are. So no, there is no official registration situation. That said, we have a few requests...
Yes, if you are successful at the Ültroüt challenge, you will be celebrated with a custom Ültroüt belt buckle that will be presented free of charge to first-time finishers of the challenge. However, because we are not made of money, subsequent successful Ültroüt efforts can be rewarded with a buckle (but we will need you to cover the cost of that second, fifth, tenth one...).
Do I need to do do anything special to register for the Ültroüt?
Let's be honest, if you are attempting an Ültroüt, we already know who you are. So no, there is no official registration situation. That said, we have a few requests...
- Please let us know when you plan to make your attempt, so we can verify that you have successfully completed a previous Troutman and so that we can potentially join you!
- While you don't need to "register" for Ültroüt, since we are a conservation organization doing extraordinary conservation things, we strongly encourage you to use this opportunity to help us benefit native fish by Crowdfunding For Conservation as a part of your Ültroüt attempt. Although there is no minimum fundraising threshold to hit, by completing the Ültroüt, you are an elite Flyathlete and have the responsibility to leverage that superiority for native trout benefit. (And by fundraising you can offset the cost of your one-of-a-kind trophy!)
Why all the the f'n umlauts?
Why the f nöt...?
Game ön.
Has anyone every successfully completed the Ültroüt challenge?
Shocking, but yes. Several...
Bend the knee.
Why the f nöt...?
Game ön.
Has anyone every successfully completed the Ültroüt challenge?
Shocking, but yes. Several...
Bend the knee.