Anglers coalition to host Utah fishing day at Capitol

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Anglers Coalition will host an event highlighting Utah fishing at the Capitol on Feb. 10.  

Between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., Fishing Utah Day on the Hill will feature organizations from across the Utah fishing industry. The event is open to the public and free to attend. 

According to a list provided by the Utah Anglers Coalition, 34 organizations plan to participate in the event. It included nonprofits, retailers, artists, and guides. 

“Fishing is an important industry in Utah,” said Roger Wilson, chairman of the Utah Anglers Coalition. “We’ve organized this unique exhibit to educate elected officials and the public about the importance of fishing to our state economy and to overall health and the quality of life for Utah residents. 

Utah fishing contributes billions to economy

Per Wilson, anglers contribute billions of dollars to Utah’s economy. 

A report published in 2024 by the Utah Division of Wildlife said anglers contribute $1.079 billion annually. Their spending supports an industry that employs 17,800 people. 

“Anglers travel and fish everywhere in Utah, they spend lots of money statewide for goods and services, and they vote,” Wilson said.

Per the DWR report, anglers spent an average of $188 per Utah fishing trip in 2023. It is estimated there are 418,000 licensed anglers living in the state, and on average, anglers take 14 fishing trips each year. 

According to Jeff Salt, the event organizer and Utah Anglers Coalition’s secretary, the event is meant to highlight the importance of fishing in Utah’s economy. 

“During Fishing Utah Day on the Hill, we hope to ‘hook’ and ‘reel in’ several legislators and new resident anglers,” said Salt. 

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