Executive Summary
Over 1500 anglers were contacted by telephone in April 2003 and asked various questions about their angling activities and preferences during the previous license year (April 1 2002- March 31 2003). Responses to these questions are summarized in this document. When possible, the responses were also compared to those from two similar surveys that took place in 1994 and 1986.
Fifty-eight percent of the anglers surveyed had fished in eastern Washington during the last license year; 83% of these were very or somewhat satisfied with their fishing experience. An equal 58% had fished in western Washington: 72% of these anglers were very or somewhat satisfied. "For relaxation" and "To be with family and friends" were the two top reasons listed for going fishing.
Although only 15% fished on the opening day of lowland lake season during the last license year, the majority, 57% said we had the right amount of opening day lakes. Almost half (45%) felt that we had the right amount of juvenile only waters (waters where fishing is limited to those under 15 years of age). The majority (57%) had taken a juvenile fishing the last year, and 33% were aware of the Department's Youth Fishing Program. For quality waters (waters managed for larger trout), 43% believed we had the right amount, and, 22% had fished a quality water during the previous license year.
Sixty-one percent had fished each of the last 5 years. The most popular type of fishing was for trout in lowland lakes (33%) with warmwater fish coming in second with 21%. In the 1994 survey the percent preferring lowland lake trout was very similar (32.3%).
The number of days spent fishing for a particular species or species group was fairly constant across the 2002, 1994, and 1986 surveys. Gear preferences for several different species (bass, rainbow trout, steelhead, resident cutthroat, kokanee, and walleye) are reported and compared between the 2002 and 1994 survey. The percentage of anglers who release some legal fish of various species is also listed and compared between the 1994 and 2002 surveys. Anglers were also asked to give the minimum size fish they would keep for certain species, and the minimum size they would consider a quality fish.
Seventy eight percent of anglers got their fishing information from the regulation pamphlet, while 18% used the agency website. Sixty five percent said the regulations were clear and easy to understand. Most anglers (86%) did not belong to a fishing or hunting club. Respondents to the survey were mostly male (81%).