Facing Smaller Angler Numbers, States Seek Solutions

Given the choice between a popular, urban tailwater fishery and a secluded trout stream, most fly-fishermen will choose the less-crowded option.  For many, the solitude is the biggest appeal.  But Jeff Alexander of The Bridge suggests that un-crowded water could be more of a bad thing than a good thing for fly fishers.

Michigan, like many states, relies on license revenues to fund Fish and Game, and when less people are fishing the department suffers.  Michigan is trying to reverse this trend by recruiting young anglers, but states like Missouri and Minnesota may have found a better route: both states have allocated a portion of the state sales tax to their fish and wildlife programs.