Survey Says Montana is One of the Very Best States for Fishing

It could be argued that if you come up with the right criteria, you can manipulate a survey a lot of different ways.

Not suggesting that was the case here, given there wouldn't be much to gain by doing so. But just one of 22 different metrics really gave Montana an edge on being evaluated as a United States fishing mecca. I wish the fish I did NOT catch on Saturday had been made aware of this survey, but oh, well.

The Montana Outdoor Radio Show shared with us recent results compiled by Lawn Love. Wait, what? Yeah, we totally agree with you, that this seems an unlikely place to go for the best, and worst, states for fishing. But because it was framed with the delightful phrase "Social Fishtancing," it couldn't be ignored.

Like any survey, numerous factors were considered. Among its 22 metrics, Lawn Love says it took into account "community interest, access to gear and bait shops, license affordability, and proximity to water." So how did Montana fare?

Even with way less diversity of fish than many other states and months of iced-over waters, the Treasure State is considered a whopper! Montana came in third!

It turns out Montana has more fishing shops and outfitters per capita. That was really the biggie that propelled the state so high. If you've been frustrated with supply chain issues when shopping for fishing gear, it must really be a nightmare elsewhere, as Montana came out on top in the Supplies category.

And while it doesn't always sit well with the locals, the survey said that more non-resident anglers fish in Montana than any other state. Add in the abundance of sporting goods stores, modest as some might be, annual free fishing days granted by Montana FWP, ample tournaments, guides and lodges, and you have a recipe for a much sought-after fishing destination.

Montana finished only behind Florida and Alaska as being the best. Minnesota and Texas round out the top five. As for the worst? Well, the survey says they are Utah (48), Arizona (49) and Nevada (50).

Oh, if you want to include the District of Columbia in the mix, they actually were the bottom-feeder at 51.