ASA 2026 Fishing Participation Report Shows 57 Million Americans Went Fishing

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) announced the results of the 2026 Special Report on Fishing. In total, 57 million Americans, roughly 18% of the U.S. population, went fishing in 2025. While up nearly 25% from a decade ago, total participation is down from 57.9 million in 2024 – the first year-over-year decrease since 2021.

According to the report, catching fish was not the only reason Americans went fishing. They also fished to enjoy nature, escape everyday stress and spend time with family and friends. Conversely, dissatisfaction with time on the water stemmed from crowded fishing spots and the discomfort of being outdoors, not catching fish, unclean waters and the cost of gear.

While these barriers undoubtedly contribute to the decline in participation and high churn rate, the abrupt pause in early 2025 of federal funding authorized under the Dingell-Johnson Act’s National Outreach and Communications Program that supports introductory fishing programs, angler recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) campaigns, and fishing specific marketing efforts left many new or returning anglers without access to critical resources needed to get on the water.

Through fishing license sales and the excise tax on sportfishing equipment authorized by the previously mentioned Dingell-Johnson Act, anglers and boaters fund most fisheries conservation and waterways access efforts nationwide. Since 1950, Dingell-Johnson has generated more than $12 billion for fisheries conservation, and sportfishing manufacturers proudly pay the 10% excise tax to support the resources our industry depends on.

Even with 2025’s setbacks, the opportunities for sustained growth in recreational fishing are unmistakable. Millions of new anglers tried fishing for the first time in 2025, youth participation remains the strongest predictor of lifelong involvement, and Black, Hispanic and female participation continued to grow.

Special Report data shows 10% of Americans overall (and 15% of kids) who did not fish, thought about going fishing. Eighty-six percent of current fishing participants fished before the age of 12, emphasizing the critical importance of youth participation. Despite the report showing 19 million lapsed anglers from 2024-25, 99% of those who fished in 2025 expect to fish in 2026.

Angler churn has been worsening over the last several years, underscoring the growing importance of customer engagement and loyalty programs. Earlier this year, ASA’s Fish America Foundation announced its inaugural R3 grant program to tackle recruitment, retention and reactivation of anglers by working with fishing tackle retailers, manufacturers and non-profits to support programs that can be replicated and scaled to the benefit of the entire industry.

The Special Report on Fishing is the most comprehensive research on fishing participation, providing an annual assessment of angler demographics, participation trends and motivations from more than 18,000 respondents. ASA partnered with the Outdoor Industry Association to produce this long-running research report which had previously been supported by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation for 18 years. The 2026 report was initially shared at the ICAST 2026 State of the Industry Breakfast on July 15 to more than 700 industry professionals.

Click here to read the full report and download the 2026 infographic