The Idaho Department of Fish and Game says that fishing activity in the state is better than ever, based on recent increases in fishing license sales.
Department figures this week showed that sales of licenses in 2009 were at their highest levels since 1999, and sales for the beginning of 2010 are also up. According to the department, fishermen purchased 473,576 licenses last year, and sales for this year are keeping pace with 2009’s trend, while some licenses are seeing double-digit gains.
Residential licenses are up 19 percent, resident junior licenses are up 27 percent, and resident disabled licenses have increased 36 percent, while three-day salmon and steelhead permits are 33 percent higher, and steelhead licenses are up 15 percent.
Agency officials say several factors, including the poor economy, could be leading families to pursue less-costly and more traditional activities in the outdoors. (IdahoReporter.com)
