Southern RAC hears public concern over one-day fishing-license price hike

A member of the public told the Southern Region RAC that a recent increase in Utah's one-day fishing license price will deter youth and families from fishing and urged DWR to reconsider. Bill Lane of New Harmony spoke during public comment and said the one-day youth fishing license increase to $44 (from $31) represented a 25% rise and was out of scale with neighboring states. Lane compared Utah's one-day rate to several other states during his remarks, saying, for example, that California was charging about $20.52 and Arizona $20 (presentation of other state fees was part of his comment). Lane said higher short-term fees will discourage parents and grandparents from buying one-day licenses for children and cited his own experience taking children fishing as an example. DWR noted the comment and said fishing and licensing matters were scheduled for a future RAC meeting. Chair Austin Atkinson thanked Lane for his remarks and said the timing was appropriate because fishing rates would be discussed at the next meeting. Why this matters: public affordability of short-term recreation licenses can affect youth participation and compliance; the commenter asked DWR to review pricing and outreach to avoid discouraging beginner anglers. What the record shows: the comment was a public opinion offered during the Southern Region RAC meeting; DWR staff did not adopt a change on the spot and said fishing and license items will be on a subsequent agenda for staff and RAC consideration.