DENVER — Colorado’s human population is growing and becoming more diverse.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is making sure to keep pace. A 2012 Angler Survey
report commissioned by the agency unveiled an informative collection of data
that will allow the agency to serve the needs of a changing sport-fishing culture.
The survey respondents let Colorado Parks and Wildlife know that they preferred
fishing for trout 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.
“We’re trying measure how angler demand might change over the next 10-20
years,” said Stacy Lischka, a human dimensions specialist and compiler of the
survey. “This is critical information that will help us provide the angling opportunities
people would like to have in Colorado.”
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.
The survey was sent to 3,000 randomly selected anglers — 1,500 residents
and 1,500 non-residents — with 1,404 respondents.
Matt’s Rant: All Colorado anglers desperately need to send
an e-mail to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife stating your own personal desires
for fishing in Colorado. If you want better trout fishing there may be no
better time than right now to get your own opinion in. Otherwise these random
survey recipients may end up running the show in regards to changes in the
future. A handy link to the “AskDOW” feature below. I will even post my
submission as a very poor example.
The best way to reach these folks is with a sincere smile
and a handshake. Tell them where you fish and what your thoughts are. Being courteous
and sensible is better received than my endless ranting that is admittedly
biased to large trophy fish that no one gets to eat. I might also be crazy
enough to suggest trophy sport fishing in both cold and warm water species. The
only way to make this happen in Colorado is by educating the public on what
good fishing actually is. Stocked trout aint it.
Good luck and good fishing.
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