From fly-casting for cutthroat trout in the Rockies to chasing redfish off the Texas coast, tremendous fresh and saltwater sportfishing opportunities abound in the Southwest.
However, changes in fisheries management and other efforts, including access restrictions, may significantly affect angling opportunities in the region.
This is of major concern to the region’s 5 million anglers, who, through their passion for the sport, support $11.3 billion in economic activity and provide the backbone for fisheries conservation through the purchase of fishing licenses and the excise tax on sportfishing equipment.
Please read more to learn about the current threats to sportfishing in the Southwest and to take action to protect your right to fish.
Regional Issues
- Deep Water Horizon Gulf of Mexico Oil Disaster
- New Federal Policy May Destroy Artificial Reefs and Popular Fishing Grounds in the Gulf of Mexico
- Industrial Art Project Approved Despite Threats to Fisheries
- Help RESTORE Sportfishing in the Gulf of Mexico
National Issues
- Conserving the Magnificent Billfish
- Efforts to Ban Lead in Fishing Tackle
- Ethanol Damage to Motorboat Engines
- Managing Our Oceans and the Great Lakes
- Urge Congress to Support New Legislation that Opens More Federal Lands to Recreational Fishing
- Federal Recreational Fish Hatcheries are on the Chopping Block
- Congress Must Make Fishing a Priority on our Nation’s Public Lands
- Improving Federal Marine Fisheries Management
- Improving Fisheries Habitat on a Grand Scale





