Trends in fishing participation in Vermont (1990-2009): Are angler interests and behaviors changing?

Understanding trends in fishing participation and angler interests can help inform the direction of future management programs.  The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has conducted three statewide angler surveys over the past 20 years to learn more about the fishing experiences and types of fishing opportunities desired by anglers fishing in Vermont.  We analyze trends in participation statewide, by species, and by type of fishing available in Vermont (e.g., trout fishing in streams or rivers, warmwater fishing).  We use a recent statewide survey conducted in New York, part of a series that also provides trend information, to compare participation trends between states for the shared Lake Champlain water body.  We also examine how trends in Vermont compare with National Survey data from the Northeast and the entire US.  These types of comparisons help managers to better understand angler behavior and interests within their own state, and give them perspective on whether these trends are part of broader trends or specific to their state.  Managers can then adapt their programs accordingly, and identify whether other states’ programs may be appropriate models.