The overwhelming majority of Pennsylvania trout anglers were satisfied with their trout fishing experiences in Pennsylvania in 2007, according to survey results released this week by the Fish and Boat Commission.

According to the survey, 84 percent of surveyed anglers enjoyed their trout fishing experiences in 2007. Only 13 percent were dissatisfied, most indicating they were somewhat dissatisfied.

Ratings of the overall performance of the Commission among trout anglers were also positive: 74 percent of trout anglers giving the Commission a rating of excellent or good.

“This is the first time in recent years that the Fish and Boat Commission has executed a comprehensive, statewide survey of trout anglers,” said PFBC Director of Fisheries Leroy Young. “It’s exciting to see how the public views our programs and how we can take those views into account as we develop our new trout management plan.”

The results of the study also indicated that a very large number of trout anglers, 92 percent, are satisfied with current trout fishing regulations and 65 percent support the two opening days.

When choosing a location to fish for trout, the top-ranked consideration is that the location is stocked with trout (50 percent say it is very important). The majority of Pennsylvania trout anglers who fish at least half the time for stocked trout (63 percent) support the current management approach of stocking fewer, but larger trout.

The study, conducted by Virginia-based Responsive Management, entailed a telephone survey of 1,562 licensed Pennsylvania anglers ages 16 and older who fished for trout in 2007. The sample of trout anglers consisted of anglers who had purchased either a Combination Trout-Salmon/Lake Erie Permit or a Trout-Salmon Stamp.

A copy of the survey results are available online.

7/18/2008