Division fisheries staff and researchers summarized a Blue Ribbon economic and angler-participation survey for the Northeastern Regional Advisory Council, saying the findings will influence how the Division of Wildlife Resources manages fishing opportunities across Utah.

Why it matters: The survey links angler motivations to economic value and participation trends; the division says it will use the results to shape stocking, messaging and long-term species planning.

Utah State University researchers partnered with DWR on the study, Division presenter Craig said, and the survey showed anglers are diverse but share a common motivation: “their primary motivation for fishing is indeed escape and pursuit of solitude,” he told the RAC. The presentation said core anglers are most likely to have been exposed to fishing at an early age and are the ones introducing youth to the sport.

Based on the survey, the division said it will take multiple steps: adjust management to serve distinct angler subgroups, conduct targeted messaging and marketing, manage and disperse angling pressure to preserve solitude where possible, and prioritize maintenance and improvement of viable fisheries in rural counties. The division also plans species-specific management teams and a multi-year strategic implementation plan for aquatic resources that anticipates shifting from trout-centric stocking toward warm- and cool-water species where necessary.

Division staff told the RAC they will convene long-term planning groups for bass and walleye managers and that a two-year timeline is anticipated to develop species-specific plans. The aquatic section’s strategic plan, the presenters said, recognizes that rising angler numbers and warming waters will require broader use of alternate species and different management approaches.

Discussion recorded at the RAC noted some anglers and RAC members voiced surprise at survey rankings (for example, cutthroat rankings versus brook trout), and presenters said a randomized survey helps reduce bias from vocal minorities. Online respondent comments summarized by the RAC included requests for more trout species (cutthroat, brook and brown) and pleas from some brook-trout anglers to preserve their opportunities.

What’s next: The division plans to roll out targeted outreach, convene species-management teams and continue strategic planning to balance angler preference, habitat capacity and changing environmental conditions. Specific plan documents, timelines and implementation details were not provided in the RAC presentation.