30 Jan Round Up: Noteworthy: University of Montana Reports that Angling Generates Significant Spending for Montana’s Economy

In Montana, fishing is about more than what’s on the end of the line. It’s about community and a shared love for the delicate beauty and awe-inspiring natural wonders that are so plentiful in Big Sky Country. And, while fishing is a deeply personal pursuit for many Montana residents, it’s also a quiet financial powerhouse for the state’s economy.

According to research from the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER), anglers spent a combined $1.27 billion on fishing trips in Montana in 2024. More than 450,000 resident and nonresident anglers contributed to that total — a figure demonstrating just how central fishing is to life in Montana.

Cold-water fishing centered on trout accounted for most of that spending. The study found that cold-water fishing generated around $1.1 billion in trip-related spending, with more than 70 percent coming from nonresidents. Those dollars go a long way toward supporting local outfitters and guides, as well as lodging, restaurants, and countless other businesses across the state.

Warm-water fishing also plays an important role in the state economy, particularly in rural communities, generating more than $170 million annually.

“The large economic impact of fishing reflects the high quality of Montana’s fishery resource and related services,” says BBER Director Jeffery Michael.

For a state defined by its rivers and lakes, the numbers offer confirmation of what many Montanans already know: Protecting fisheries is not just a cultural priority, it’s an economic one as well.