Message from WDFW
Washingtonians and visitors cherish the opportunity to get outside and fish across the state’s many rivers, lakes, and marine waterways. It is our duty to ensure that the fisheries we manage are around to enjoy for generations to come.
As part of our commitment, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) continues to draw inspiration from the statewide community of anglers committed to preserving fishing and shellfish gathering opportunities. We listen closely to input from the public, attempt to find solutions that best serve the wide array of interested participants, and favor transparency by keeping an open door when it comes to public expectations. WDFW also works closely with tribal co-managers to provide sustainable fishing opportunities for all.
WDFW strives to meet the conservation goals that aid in the recovery of salmon and steelhead – including constraints under the Endangered Species Act – and understands the challenges we face from habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. We applaud the Governor and state legislators for championing funding that supports fisheries management and salmon recovery. Appropriations made in 2024 will expand and improve outdoor experiences.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently released the latest National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR). Through this survey, researchers gathered the latest data about anglers’ participation and spending in Washington and nationwide.
In the survey, FHWAR measured fishing-related recreational activity, providing a snapshot of who participates and what they spend to do so. Each year, millions of people participate in Washington’s fishing-related activities that support a robust recreation economy, generating revenue for businesses and taxes to support the services WDFW and other public agencies provide.
The recent survey from 2022 showed 1.2 million individuals fished in Washington waters. Of these anglers, 812,000 fished in freshwater, 388,000 fished in saltwater, and 222,000 fished in both environments. Of those who fished in saltwater, 257,000 participated in recreational shellfish fisheries, which include razor clams, squid, Dungeness crab, and Pacific oysters. Anglers averaged 11 days of fishing, with 74% of their fishing activity in freshwater. Most anglers were Washington residents, with 15% of anglers visiting from out of state. Anglers spent more than $2.2 billion, $885 million in trip-related expenses and $1.3 billion on equipment.
The results delivered in this report support WDFW’s implementation of the Washington Hunting and Angling Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) Plan and the 10-Year Recreation Strategy for WDFW-Managed Lands, and our 25-Year Strategic Plan. These findings emphasize the many ways Washington residents enjoy the outdoors and wildlife-related recreation. With something for everyone, Washington’s diverse recreational opportunities offer a place for all in fish and wildlife conservation. At the Department, we appreciate everything you do to support fisheries conservation in our great state.
As you read this pamphlet, we’d like to thank you for your commitment to keeping these time-honored activities alive. We hope you have a great year, and we’ll see you on the water!
To learn more about the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, please visit wdfw.wa.gov.
