The survey, commissioned by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, unveiled an informative collection of data that will allow the agency to serve the needs of a changing sport-fishing culture.
Survey respondents let CPW know that fishing for trout was preferred and that the overall satisfaction level of anglers was high. Results also revealed the potential impact of a changing sport-fishing demographic on the Colorado’s hatchery system.
The majority of both resident and non-resident anglers responded that they were either "very" or "somewhat" satisfied with their fishing experience in Colorado. Thirty-three percent of residents said they were "very" satisfied, along with 48 percent of non-residents, and 33 percent of resident anglers responded that they were "somewhat" satisfied with their experience, compared to 32 percent of non-residents.
Despite the positive response, the survey indicates there is room for improvement. Forty-six percent of resident anglers wanted additional fishing opportunities for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout while 64 percent of non-residents favored brown, cutthroat and lake trout. The majority of fish caught in Colorado are stocked by the agency. Because CPW's hatchery system is aging, increasing these numbers to meet angler desires may require an update and expansion of the system.
Along with an aging hatchery system, Colorado's anglers are aging as well. As a larger number of older anglers retire, they may spend more time on the water. The survey found that more than half of anglers 51 to 70 years old bought a license in all of the last five years, whereas just 37 percent of anglers under 50 purchased licenses every year.
For more information on the 2012 angler satisfaction survey, read the full press release.