Recession, Gas Prices May Mean More U.S. Fly Fishers in Parks

May 25, 2008 By: Marshall Cutchin

It may sound surprising that Yellowstone, Glacier and other U.S. parks popular among fly fishers could be more crowded this summer, but the low U.S. dollar may mean more Canadian and European visitors. Higher gas prices may also lead some anglers to get more “bang for their buck” by taking trips to fish-rich locales instead of flying overseas. “The Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana-Missoula reported 2.083 million visits to Glacier Park in 2007, the highest in 13 years and 6 percent higher than the previous year, despite gasoline prices in the $3 a gallon range.” Paul Lloyd-Davies and Jo Dee Black in the Great Falls Tribune.