A new study on the economic impact of fishing in Montana released last week found anglers spent nearly $1.3 billion in 2024 on trips in the Treasure State, the bulk of that money coming from anglers primarily looking for trout and other coldwater fish species.

The report also shows that while Montana residents still account for more fishing pressure statewide, those who come to fish from out of state spend nearly double what residents do and contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the state’s economy each year.

The Montana Legislature in 2023 commissioned the study from the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to get a better grasp on how much money and economic activity the industry creates and a deeper look at the pre

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