Present condition and economic ripple effect of recreational smelt fishing in Misuzu Lake estimated by a questionnaire survey of anglers

In order to estimate the present status and economic ripple effect of recreational smelt fishing in Misuzu Lake, Nagano, Japan, we conducted a questionnaire survey of anglers and interviewed the management company in 2016. Answers were given by 298 anglers. The number of anglers who visited Misuzu Lake was 3,135-4,034 in the year. Fifty percent of the anglers were aged 30 to 40. Thirty-three percent of visitors were visiting with their family. The percentage of women was 15%, which was high compared to other types of freshwater fishing. Visitors from areas outside of the prefecture accounted for 19%, and 43% of them stayed overnight or longer, many of them at a nearby hot spring resort. The economic ripple effect of smelt fishing on the area is estimated at 170.7-198.4 million yen, suggesting that smelt fishing significantly contributes to the local economy and society.