Brad Pitt’s iconic fly fishing scene over the Gallatin River has long promoted Montana as a top fishing destination. However, quantifying the economic impact of fishing on Montana, also known as the Treasure State, remains complex. In 2023, the Montana Legislature tasked Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) along with the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) to examine fishing’s economic contributions. The BBER report found anglers added over $910 million to Montana’s GDP in 2024 and supported $1.5 billion in economic output, solidifying fishing as a key player in the outdoor economic sector.
“Fishing is deeply woven into the cultural and economic fabric of Montana,” the study authors remarked. The research surveyed a random sample of 1,181 adults with Montana fishing licenses, yielding a 30% response rate. Anglers were categorized into warm-water and cold-water groups, analyzing their trip-related spending patterns among the 450,000 license purchasers in 2024. FWP data showed 180,328 resident and 261,734 nonresident licenses issued, with a focus on individual licenses despite the sale of combination licenses.
The fishing season peaks from June to October, with ice fishing also popular during this period. Survey questions targeted expenditures on guiding services, equipment, food, fuel, and lodging, assessing their economic impact locally and statewide. Cold-water fishing, renowned for trout and salmon, drove higher spending due to longer trips and nonresident participation, with 86% of nonresidents engaging only in cold-water fishing. Warm-water anglers, typically Montana residents, focused on local trips targeting walleye and pike.
Resident anglers’ average annual expenses were $1,897, contrasting with nonresidents’ $3,923. Residents primarily spent on fuel, accommodations, and retail, while nonresidents spent on accommodations, guiding fees, and dining. Cold-water fishing correlated with higher expenditures, averaging $4,900 annually, compared to $380 for warm-water fishing. The total fishing season expenditure reached $1.29 billion, supporting 15,978 jobs and generating $427 million in personal income.
Christy Clark, FWP Director, emphasized, “Montana’s amazing angling opportunities are no secret, but this research shows just how important fishing is to communities and businesses around Montana.” Cold-water fishing supported 14,355 jobs, while warm-water fishing accounted for over 1,600 jobs. Although warm-water fishing is smaller in scale, it still significantly contributes to in-state tourism and local spending. While the study’s methodology suggests conservative estimates, it underscores angling’s broad importance and the necessity for FWP’s management of fisheries and waterways.
450,000+
Individual Montana fishing licenses purchased by residents and nonresidents.
33.6%
of license holders reported not fishing once during the license year.
41%
of Montana residents who purchased a fishing license did not fish last year.
7
average number of days Montana resident license holders spent fishing last year.
15,978
Jobs in Montana supported by the fishing industry.
$427 million
of personal income driven by coldwater fishing
$929
average spent by nonresident anglers on fishing guides and outfitters
$41.9 million
of personal income driven by warm-water fishing
