SALT LAKE CITY — Anglers can share their thoughts about fishing in Utah by taking an online survey.
The survey is on the Division of Wildlife Resources website, wildlife.utah.gov/fisheries-surveys. Respondents can offer thoughts about fishing regulation changes the biologists are considering for 2016, as well as specific recommendations, complaints, concerns or general ideas about how to make fishing better in the state.
The survey can be taken until no later than June 24.
Some of the questions — including those about tiger muskies — may not result in rule changes in 2016. Paul Birdsey, coldwater sport fisheries coordinator for the department, says biologists want input from anglers now, though, so officials can determine future direction of the tiger muskie program.
Drew Cushing, warmwater sport fisheries coordinator for the department, says biologists often hear from organized fishing groups but they rarely hear from individual anglers.
Cushing says even though 2016 is still months away, the biologists need time before September to consider ideas.
Biologists will present their final recommendations at public Regional Advisory Council meetings in September. The Utah Wildlife Board will make the final decision about Utah's 2016 fishing rules at a meeting on Oct. 1.