Opportunities for Urban Fishing Programs

Authors: Dane Balsman and Dan Shoup

Many opportunities exist to enhance urban fishing resources.  There are three essential components needed for a successful urban fishery: a resource with clean water and a viable fishery, the facilities around the body of water to accommodate anglers, and advertisement of the resource and recruitment of anglers.  Early in the development of an urban fishing program it is essential to access urban anglers’ interests.  Once the anglers’ needs have been addressed it is important to provide access to a quality fishery, either by creating a new fishery or enhancing an existing body of water.  Depending upon angler interests, supplemental stocking and intensive management may be needed to maintain the fishery.  Accessibility to urban waters and amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, docks, and waste receptacles are also important factors to consider.  This can be done most economically by pairing fishing resources with city park systems.  Finally, establishing partnerships with private businesses and outdoor organizations to advertise the fishing program, provide fishing clinics, and educate anglers about the management and ecology of fish will help recruit and retain urban anglers, leading to the ultimate success of an urban fishing program.