As recorded numbers of licensed anglers on Montana streams dwindles, this may seem great to locals and anyone seeking solitude. Of course, dwindling fly fishermen means less revenues for businesses and most importantly a greater burden on advocates for the habitat (locals and from a far). Once the put and take folks and the older generation dwindle away, then it is left for voices to emerge from the ‘bums’. Voices won’t be enough, as coordination of voices, legislators and biologists will have to be coordinated by the new generations. Yes, maybe financial hard times influence travel, rooms, food, licenses and gear but that is now…these visitor numbers have been falling away in Western States for awhile. Who will emerge in Montana and elsewhere….fresh faces, fresh times they say. Numbers often equal power or a concerted pressure. If numbers are down then the challenge is a more educated, directed voice in accessing decision making power.
SwittersB & Exploring 