Why do people fish for trout? Trout fishos may find this survey from North Carolina interesting. This indicates the lost potential to NZ. (Halve the numbers to adjust for the difference on NZ’s population.) This should be a compulsory study for Councils and Fishery Managers…
A study titled “Evaluation of North Carolina Trout Anglers’ Opinions, Participation and Socioeconomic Impact” was released in December 2023. Here’s some interesting stats:
(Photos from TRM library.)
By the numbers
• Haywood, Jackson, Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties were listed as the top five when anglers were asked where they had fished the most during the last five years.
• 369,968 individuals fished for trout at least once in North Carolina. 87% were state residents
• 48,000 tourist anglers traveled from out-of-state to fish for trout in North Carolina.
• The number of all fishing license holders in the state increased 53% from 2014 to 2023.
• Trout anglers increased from 18.5% to 32% of all licensed anglers.
Landing the big one: rise in trout fishing supports outdoor economy
- By Abigail Quinn WCU Intern
Haywood County ranks in the top five most popular counties for trout fishing in North Carolina, which contributes $1.38 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to a comprehensive study that analyzed the economic impact of trout fishing.
The newly released study was developed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. It dives deep and analyzes everything from angler spending to emotional drivers of trout fishing, as well as threats to the fishing experience.
“We wanted to better understand how anglers utilize the trout waters we manage and the views of trout fishing from the anglers themselves,” said Jake Rash, cold water fisheries specialist with the Wildlife Commission.
Shannon Young, owner of Maggie Valley Fly Shop, sees firsthand the popularity of fly fishing and its economic impact. Young is not surprised Haywood ranks so highly in the popularity of places to fish.
“Whether you’re in Waynesville or Maggie Valley, you have so many options to go fly fishing within an hour of either town,” Young said.
The number of people who’ve gone trout fishing at least once in the course of a year has risen in recent years, according to the study. Young believes that could be attributed in part to Covid when people sought outdoor activities.
“After the pandemic there was massive growth. People got out there, started fly fishing and decided they probably love it,” said Young. “The Smoky Mountains is the number one most-traveled park in the world. So when people went through the pandemic and they had already done the rafting, the horseback riding, the hiking — they had fishing to try.”
Trout fishermen spend a total of $580 million on fishing trips in North Carolina annually — whether it’s a local stream down the road or a multi-day float trip. That monetary value includes costs like gas, restaurants, transportation and groceries.
Meanwhile, anglers spend $770 million annually on equipment, gear and supplies.
That comes as no surprise to Ed Saleem, a Haywood County trout fisherman and president of a local fly fishing club.
“Fly fishing is an expensive sport and people are spending tremendous amounts of money towards that, spending $400 or $500 for a day trip. Fly rods are up around $1,100 each now for the high-end rods. I see that kind of money being spent,” said Saleem.
Why trout fishing?
Researchers also hoped to figure out what inspires, motivates and drives fishermen to spend time on the water — and open their wallets in the process. That in turn can help the Wildlife Commission protect the things anglers value most about the fishing experience.
“Given the recreational importance of trout fishing, it’s important to understand public perceptions,” said Doug Besler, Mountain Region Fisheries Supervisor with the Wildlife Commission. “These surveys put an economic value on the resources we manage and help us focus our programs and infrastructure.”
Here’s what fishermen said when asked why they fish:
• 26% fish for the sport
• 23% for relaxation
• 17% do it to be with family or friends
• 13% fish for trout to eat
• 12% like connecting with nature
Young says he often comes across people who fish just to set their mind at peace.
“It gives you a chance to get away from the everyday lights. To take a break, enjoy nature and just set your mind at peace out on the river,” Young said.
However, the popularity of trout fishing can be a double-edged sword. Respondents were asked to describe how they felt their trout fishing experience has changed over the years. The most common changes were an increase in anglers, finding fewer trout, experiencing more crowding, and struggling with less access.
Half of all respondents said they had experienced overcrowding when fishing public mountain trout waters.
