In 2016, Trout Unlimited commissioned a study of the economic impact of trout fishing and stream restoration activities the Driftless Area. The purpose of the study was to estimate the economic impact of trout fishing and stream restoration activities, summarize information on angler demographics and
opinions, and identify characteristics of a healthy “Trout Economy.” The study measures new spending in the region that occurs as a result of an event or feature such as trout streams, as opposed to spending
that would have occurred anyway.

Healthy Trout Economies are comprised of a mixture of energetic private businesses, active non-governmental organizations, and volunteers, and an effective government that all work together to make the most of the gift of miles of clear, cold trout streams. This study hopes to build awareness of the positive impact of trout fishing & stream restoration activities—and what a healthy Trout Economy can do for communities of the Driftless Area.

The goals of the study included:
• Providing current information about angler habits
• Exploring angler knowledge and opinions on stream and habitat restorative activities
• Providing an estimate of spending by trout anglers and the impact to local economies