Alaska Ranks Fourth In Annual Nonresident Fishing License Purchases

An organization known as Captain Experiences released its survey of what states sell the most nonresident fishing licenses. As usual, Alaska ranked high on the list considering many Lower 48 and global visitors who want to experience the Last Frontier’s world-class fishing.

Alaska came in fourth in total annual nonresident licenses purchases (492,860), which generated an annual amount of $15,817,365 in revenue (Florida, Montana and Colorado ranked first, second and third, respectively, in nonresident license purchase). Furthermore, the Last Frontier’s share of annual fishing licenses issued to nonresidents was a whopping 70.8 percent. Finally, the state’s share of annual fishing license revenue from nonresidents represented 75.6 percent.

Here’s some more Alaska info from the report:

Alaska, ranking fourth in non-resident fishing licenses sold, has long been a prominent destination for fishing. The state issued 492,860 non-resident licenses annually, generating approximately $15.8 million in revenue, which constitutes 75.6% of its total fishing license revenue. Alaska’s unique fishing opportunities, such as salmon runs and deep-sea fishing in the Pacific, make it a coveted destination for avid anglers. The state’s vast wilderness and pristine environments provide an unparalleled backdrop for nearly any outdoor activity.

Some more details about various states’ impact in terms of nonresident anglers wanting to get in on the action:

Regionally, the Southeast U.S., Mountain West, and Alaska are the most popular travel destinations for anglers. However, several states in the Great Lakes region—including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan—also rank highly.

In the Southeast, Florida stands out with its diverse fishing opportunities, ranging from deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico to fly fishing in the Everglades. Florida sold the highest number of non-resident licenses, with 917,665 issued annually. The state’s extensive coastline, numerous lakes, and warm climate make it a year-round fishing haven, drawing anglers from across the country. Other top fishing destinations in the Southeast include Tennessee and the Carolinas.

In the Mountain West, Montana and Colorado follow closely with 739,575 and 511,912 non-resident fishing licenses sold, respectively. Both states are celebrated for their pristine rivers and lakes, offering some of the best fly fishing in the world. Montana’s Glacier National Park and Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park attract anglers seeking quality fishing amidst mountain environments. Similarly, neighboring Idaho and Wyoming are also among the top-ranked states for fishing tourism.

You can read the full report here.