Why Fishing Matters

Did you know that our great state of Minnesota is the third most-popular inland fishing destination in the country?! What a great resource---11,842 lakes and 8,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams. And even if you don’t have a boat, it’s not a problem. There are hundreds of public fishing piers, docks and platforms statewide. (You can find more information from the DNR's page "Find a Fishing Pier" for these on-shore options.)

According to the MN DNR, roughly 500,000 anglers fished the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 9th. That is a large number, but it is only a third of the 1.5million anglers who will be licensed this season.

The economic impact from these anglers is significant. Fishing contributes nearly $2.4 billion to the state's economy in direct retail sales, ranking Minnesota fourth in the nation for angler expenditures. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that each angler spends about $1,500 annually. This in turn supports 35,400 jobs statewide.

Beyond the benefits to our economy, fishing is fun! Anglers of all ages and backgrounds are drawn to this pursuit because of the challenge, the relaxation, the thrill of the catch and the joy of being outdoors. Fishing is also a great way to build a strong respect for nature, and is a ready made opportunity for parents to spend time with their kids and make memories in a natural setting.

Wherever you live in Minnesota, there are likely plenty of waterways nearby to explore. So instead of staying inside, unplug and go fishing! It’s good for the soul, our economy, and it’s enjoyable---a win, win, win.

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