Utah Fishing Day On The Hill

Sponsored by the Utah Anglers Coalition (UAC)

February 10, 2025, 7:00am – 10:00am

Utah State Capitol Rotunda

The Utah Anglers Coalition (UAC) hosted a unique event: “Utah Fishing Day On The Hill”. This information-sharing event brought together angling organizations, industry representatives, and stakeholders to promote the sport of angling to legislators, agency personnel, and the public.

Check out some great photographs of the event at https://utahsenate.smugmug.com.

Event Goals

• Showcase the importance of angling to Utah’s economy.
• Demonstrate the voting power of the angling community.
• Highlight angling’s contributions to quality of life and conservation efforts.
• Encourage collaboration among various angling organizations.

Economic Impact of Angling in Utah

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) commissioned a 2024 study on the economic impact of Utah’s Blue Ribbon Fisheries. Conducted by Utah State University, the full report is available for review. Blue Ribbon Fisheries are designated waters that offer exceptional fishing and outdoor experiences for a diverse range of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Learn more about Utah’s Blue Ribbon Fisheries or listen to DWR Sportfish Coordinator Randy Oplinger and Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council Chair Herbert Ley podcast about the Blue Ribbon Fisheries program in Utah.

Key Findings from the Study:

Financial Impact

• • Utah had 418,000 licensed anglers, taking a median of 14 trips per year.
  • Direct annual expenditures on fishing exceeded $1.079 billion.
  • Fishing contributed $2.18 billion in total economic output.
  • The industry provided 17,800 jobs and generated $426 million in fiscal revenue annually.
  • For every $1 spent on fishing, an additional $2.02 was generated in total economic output.

These findings highlight the significant role that fishing plays in Utah’s economy, benefiting both local communities and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Angler Preferences & Trends

• • Top fishing locations included Strawberry Reservoir, Deer Creek Reservoir, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Jordanelle Reservoir, and Green River.
  • Preferred fish species included Cutthroat, rainbow, brook, brown, and lake trout, kokanee, splake, largemouth bass, and walleye.
  • Two main angler types emerged:
    • Those who fished as part of outdoor recreation, prioritizing nature and solitude.
    • Those who prioritized catching either large or high numbers of fish.

Exhibitor Information

UAC invited organizations to exhibit at this high-profile event. Exhibit spaces were limited, so early registration was encouraged.

• Exhibitors provided their own display materials.
• Shared exhibit spaces were encouraged for organizations with similar missions.

Thank You for Participating

Many attendees had the opportunity to speak with the media about fishing, including reporters from KSL TV, KTVX Channel 4, the Deseret News, and Adam Eakle from KSL Outdoors. KSL also featured the event during their noon news segment that day, helping to highlight its significance.

The Utah Fishing Day on the Hill was a resounding success in advocating for the future of angling in Utah. The Utah Anglers Coalition (UAC) extends its gratitude to all exhibitors, participants, and attendees for making this event both impactful and memorable.