CHEYENNE- A recent survey by the American Sportfishing Association ranks Wyoming as the top state in the lower 48 for having the highest number of residents who fish based on the percentage of population.  Only Alaska ranked higher.  The survey included residents 16 and older.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department fisheries chief Mike Stone is pleased with the long standing tradition Wyoming's residents have in fishing opportunities in the Cowboy state. 

"Our ranking is undoubtedly due to the interests of Wyoming people," Stone said.  "Residents have a high interest in outdoor activities in Wyoming and streams and lakes play a big role in those activities.  At the Game and Fish we strive to maintain a variety of fishing opportunities through our fisheries habitat improvements, hatcheries and regulations."

Wyoming is also a fishing destination state for residents and nonresidents.  Participation is captured in Wyoming's economy.  The 2006 survey revealed that Wyoming anglers spent more than $528 million pursuing their sport during the year, providing an estimated 7,398 jobs.  In addition, anglers pumped more than $64 million into state and local tax coffers.

On a national scale, the survey confirmed that recreational fishing is more than just an outing for millions of Americans.   Nationwide, America's nearly 40 million anglers spend more than $45 billion per year on fishing equipment, transportation, lodging, equipment, licenses and more.

Through their purchases, anglers more than any other group, play a major role in fisheries conservation efforts through special taxes on fishing and boating equipment and motorboat fuel.  In fiscal year 2007, these taxes provided by Dingell-Johnson and Wallop-Breaux  legislation returned nearly $5.5 million to Wyoming to be used for variouis fisheries programs.

-WGFD-