2020 Kansas Licensed Angler Survey (October 2022) (PDF - 5.17 MB) Key Takeaways Kansas anglers are predominately male (76%) which is similar to those in the Midwest Region and the United States. Twelve-percent (12%) of the Kansas population participates in fishing, compared to approximately 17% in the Midwest. Survey results were representative of the Kansas angling population. Survey response rates are declining, making it more difficult, expensive, and time consuming to conduct human dimensions research. Licensed angler fishing participation is dropping. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of licensed anglers actually go fishing compared to 93% in 2013 and 95% in 2006. Bank fishing continues to be the most popular fishing access method. Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Channel Catfish were the three most preferred and targeted species. The three most important Fisheries programs and services to anglers were lake rehabilitation, stocking fish, and improving fisheries habitat. The three least important Fisheries programs and services to anglers were master angler award, Vamos a pescar-Hispanic/Latino family fishing program, and the mobile aquarium. Fisheries Division staff and anglers do not always agree about the importance of fisheries programs and services. Fishing motivations differed slightly by sex; females were more motivated to fish “to be close to nature” and for “family recreation” whereas males were more motivated by fishing “for the challenge or sport.”
