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British Columbia Freshwater Survey

Question 1. How many days did you spend fishing for recreation in each month in freshwater in British Columbia in 2005?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
January 88,708 1,844 567 91,119
February 94,622 1,064 1,332 97,018
March 104,367 2,070 2,800 109,237
April 152,802 11,365 4,740 168,908
May 369,915 15,147 15,827 400,889
June 509,291 31,129 35,866 576,286
July 650,877 50,843 35,665 737,385
August 672,738 53,767 39,653 766,158
September 488,253 25,431 37,019 550,703
October 277,340 12,527 16,063 305,930
November 99,205 946 3,141 103,292
December 73,963 1,892 1,410 77,265
Total 3,582,081 208,026 194,082 3,984,188

How many days were spent fishing in the following areas?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Days spent ice fishing 160,497 5,451 1,374 167,322
Days spent on lakes 2,188,928 135,425 117,613 2,441,967
Days spent on rivers 1,232,836 67,149 75,095 1,375,079
Total 3,582,261 208,026 194,082 3,984,368

Of the total days you fished, how many were spent using the services of a guide?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Number of days a guide was used 28,777 9,632 23,242 61,651

On average, how many hours per day did you fish in freshwater in British Columbia in 2005?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Average hours per day 4.5 5.0 5.8 4.7

Question 7. Why did you fish where you did in freshwater in British Columbia?
Reason Not important Somewhat important Important Very important Extremely important Total
Fished to eat
Resident 80,853 26,172 38,653 23,748 41,884 211,310
Canadian Non-resident 14,573 3,822 3,238 3,739 2,833 28,205
Other Non-resident 17,406 3,945 4,783 2,376 2,720 31,230
Total 112,832 33,939 46,674 29,863 47,437 270,745
Fished to catch large fish
Resident 95,830 28,819 39,624 23,321 23,717 211,311
Canadian Non-resident 11,340 3,848 4,145 3,303 5,570 28,206
Other Non-resident 8,537 3,921 7,448 5,790 5,535 31,231
Total 115,707 36,588 51,217 32,414 34,822 270,748
Fished for companionship
Resident 76,358 17,792 36,674 34,985 45,500 211,309
Canadian Non-resident 9,982 1,559 5,936 3,496 7,232 28,205
Other Non-resident 10,416 3,525 5,093 5,033 7,164 31,231
Total 96,756 22,876 47,703 43,514 59,896 270,745
Fished to enjoy nature
Resident 28,328 6,347 21,057 41,621 113,957 211,310
Canadian Non-resident 3,999 790 3,056 6,515 13,846 28,206
Other Non-resident 2,635 964 3,129 6,526 17,977 31,231
Total 34,962 8,101 27,242 54,662 145,780 270,747
Fished for challenge
Resident 52,884 15,461 42,487 43,249 57,229 211,310
Canadian Non-resident 5,509 1,946 7,068 5,963 7,719 28,205
Other Non-resident 4,443 2,212 5,541 7,781 11,254 31,231
Total 62,836 19,619 55,096 56,993 76,202 270,746
Fished to catch many fish
Resident 130,664 31,149 28,711 9,888 10,898 211,310
Canadian Non-resident 12,113 5,167 5,109 4,305 1,511 28,205
Other Non-resident 12,330 6,410 6,301 3,586 2,604 31,231
Total 155,107 42,726 40,121 17,779 15,013 270,746
Fished to get away
Resident 46,102 11,144 29,177 44,876 80,011 211,310
Canadian Non-resident 5,937 839 3,140 4,792 13,498 28,206
Other Non-resident 5,526 1,690 4,902 6,913 12,200 31,231
Total 57,565 13,673 37,219 56,581 105,709 270,747
Fished to get family together
Resident 65,404 13,211 27,446 32,185 73,063 211,309
Canadian Non-resident 9,606 2,276 3,507 3,706 9,110 28,205
Other Non-resident 12,050 3,162 3,066 4,685 8,268 31,231
Total 87,060 18,649 34,019 40,576 90,441 270,745
Fished to relax
Resident 29,566 6,709 19,021 43,266 112,747 211,309
Canadian Non-resident 4,212 968 2,667 7,656 12,703 28,206
Other Non-resident 3,781 681 4,609 7,172 14,987 31,230
Total 37,559 8,358 26,297 58,094 140,437 270,745
Fished to improve skills
Resident 104,357 30,445 36,354 21,414 18,741 211,311
Canadian Non-resident 13,732 2,964 5,453 3,776 2,279 28,204
Other Non-resident 11,400 5,419 6,611 3,917 3,884 31,231
Total 129,489 38,828 48,418 29,107 24,904 270,746

Question 8. Did you see a conservation officer while fishing in British Columbia freshwater in 2005?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
No response 3,290 355 1,106 4,751
Yes 48,434 4,582 3,244 56,260
No 159,587 23,268 26,881 209,736
Total 211,311 28,205 31,231 270,747

Number of times Conservation Officers were seen by anglers fishing in by B.C. Freshwater
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Number of times 81,834 6,547 4,921 93,301
Average number of times per angler 1.8 1.5 1.5 1.7

Question 9. Did you spend as much time fishing for recreation in British Columbia freshwater in 2005 as you had wanted to?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
No response 2,403 177 0 2,580
Yes 43,975 6,746 10,812 61,533
No 164,932 21,282 20,419 206,633
Total 211,310 28,205 31,231 270,746

Why did the angler not spend as much time fishing as desired?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Fish too small 8,311 722 539 9,573
Restrictive regulations 21,521 5,111 2,224 28,856
Complicated regulations 16,201 3,916 1,455 21,572
Crowding 25,288 968 986 27,241
Poor boat access 17,771 2,796 2,558 23,125
Poor shore access 14,030 1,511 1,262 16,803
Poor catch rate 36,472 3,095 2,597 42,164
Not enough spare time 113,222 12,028 13,597 138,847
Other reasons 22,680 6,068 4,197 32,946
Total 166,061 21,648 20,419 208,127

Question 10. About what percentage of the time did you use the following methods to fish in British Columbia freshwater in 2005?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Fished with lures 37.7 46.0 33.7 38.1
Fished with bait 9.2 4.7 6.1 8.4
Fished with lures and bait 21.1 13.5 7.8 18.8
Fished with fly gear 29.6 32.6 51.5 32.4
Fished with set lines 1.1 0.4 0.3 0.9
Fished using other method 1.3 2.7 0.6 1.4

Question 11. Did you stay at a fishing resort, fishing lodge or fishing camp when fishing in British Columbia freshwater in 2005?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
No response 4,090 0 85 4,175
Yes 29,172 2,953 9,593 41,718
No 178,048 25,252 21,553 224,853
Total 211,310 28,205 31,231 270,746

How important are the following factors when you are selecting a sportfishing resort, lodge or camp?
  Not important Somewhat important Important Very important Extremely important Total
Travel time to lodge
Resident 7,545 2,422 7,396 6,462 5,347 29,172
Canadian Non-resident 1,086 792 237 237 602 2,954
Other Non-resident 1,649 1,377 2,920 2,348 1,298 9,592
Total 10,280 4,591 10,553 9,047 7,247 41,718
Lodge familiarity
Resident 8,662 4,674 5,310 3,702 6,825 29,173
Canadian Non-resident 1,513 425 602 59 355 2,954
Other Non-resident 2,715 1,837 1,817 1,449 1,775 9,593
Total 12,890 6,936 7,729 5,210 8,955 41,720
Cost of accommodation
Resident 5,595 2,077 6,434 7,459 7,608 29,173
Canadian Non-resident 543 177 296 545 1,392 2,953
Other Non-resident 1,619 1,313 2,144 2,932 1,585 9,593
Total 7,757 3,567 8,874 10,936 10,585 41,719
First class accommodation
Resident 16,916 3,896 5,342 1,518 1,500 29,172
Canadian Non-resident 1,441 663 790 59 0 2,953
Other Non-resident 4,452 1,392 1,648 1,023 1,078 9,593
Total 22,809 5,951 7,780 2,600 2,578 41,718
Rustic accommodation
Resident 10,285 3,005 7,294 5,242 3,346 29,172
Canadian Non-resident 1,145 179 177 968 484 2,953
Other Non-resident 2,521 1,177 2,770 1,661 1,463 9,592
Total 13,951 4,361 10,241 7,871 5,293 41,717
Lodge remoteness
Resident 10,225 3,630 6,127 5,179 4,012 29,173
Canadian Non-resident 839 179 720 672 543 2,953
Other Non-resident 2,242 568 2,437 1,832 2,514 9,593
Total 13,306 4,377 9,284 7,683 7,069 41,719
Non-fishing activities
Resident 15,795 3,454 5,548 2,780 1,596 29,173
Canadian Non-resident 1,382 602 733 237 0 2,954
Other Non-resident 5,511 1,079 1,279 824 900 9,593
Total 22,688 5,135 7,560 3,841 2,496 41,720
Quality of fishing
Resident 4,838 1,175 4,761 8,952 9,447 29,173
Canadian Non-resident 177 61 177 661 1,876 2,952
Other Non-resident 840 305 879 2,565 5,004 9,593
Total 5,855 1,541 5,817 12,178 16,327 41,718
Other rating
Resident 26,921 180 306 498 1,268 29,173
Canadian Non-resident 2,835 0 0 0 118 2,953
Other Non-resident 8,712 0 85 341 454 9,592
Total 38,468 180 391 839 1,840 41,718

How did you find out about the fishing resort, lodge or camp?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Internet/web sites 7,101 911 1,944 9,955
Bait and tackle shops 2,408 484 426 3,318
Travel agent 0 0 199 199
Friends/family 20,667 1,866 6,245 28,777
Fishing/sportsman shows 1,268 543 866 2,677
TV Fishing shows 872 425 113 1,411
Magazines/newspapers 3,355 366 795 4,516
Other 2,532 237 582 3,350
No method listed 2,134 118 808 3,061
Total 29,071 2,953 9,507 41,531

Question 12. Were you aware of B.C.'s Family Fishing Weekend (June 17- 19, 2005)? (Residents Only)
  Number of anglers
No response 10,825
Yes 103,909
No 96,666
Total 211,400

Did you participate in this event?
  Number of anglers
Yes 15,254
No 88,655
Total 103,909

Question 13. Were you aware of the National Fishing Week promotion covering July 2-10, 2005? (Residents)
  Number of anglers
No response 2,378
Yes 31,753
No 177,179
Total 211,310

Please indicate your information source(s) for the National Fishing Week promotion.
Source Number of anglers
TV 4,656
Radio 7,086
Print media 14,941
Posters or brochures 4,016
2005 Angling Summary 6,794
Other 3,748

Did you go fishing in British Columbia freshwater during National Fishing Week as a result of the promotion?
  Number of anglers
Yes 3,698
No 28,055
Total 31,753

Question 14. How often did you use these information sources about recreational fishing in British Columbia freshwater in 2005?
  Did not use Sometimes Often Total
Fishing info from internet
Resident 82,435 32,187 16,013 130,635
Canadian Non-resident 11,457 3,801 3,378 18,636
Other Non-resident 10,060 5,576 6,210 21,846
Total 103,952 41,564 25,601 171,117
Fishing info from friends/family
Resident 23,056 47,400 60,179 130,635
Canadian Non-resident 4,391 4,690 9,556 18,637
Other Non-resident 7,736 5,326 8,783 21,845
Total 35,183 57,416 78,518 171,117
Fishing info from bait shops
Resident 71,021 41,933 17,681 130,635
Canadian Non-resident 10,453 5,635 2,548 18,636
Other Non-resident 12,254 6,978 2,613 21,845
Total 93,728 54,546 22,842 171,116
Fishing info from fishing shows
Resident 113,200 15,319 2,116 130,635
Canadian Non-resident 16,180 1,973 484 18,637
Other Non-resident 18,285 2,426 1,135 21,846
Total 147,665 19,718 3,735 171,118
Fishing info from travel agent
Resident 130,126 509 0 130,635
Canadian Non-resident 18,636 0 0 18,636
Other Non-resident 21,534 256 57 21,847
Total 170,296 765 57 171,118
Fishing info from TV announcements
Resident 107,809 18,810 4,016 130,635
Canadian Non-resident 15,694 2,351 591 18,636
Other Non-resident 19,831 1,178 836 21,845
Total 143,334 22,339 5,443 171,116
Fishing info from licence issuer
Resident 99,520 23,180 7,935 130,635
Canadian Non-resident 12,712 4,097 1,828 18,637
Other Non-resident 15,729 4,725 1,391 21,845
Total 127,961 32,002 11,154 171,117
Fishing info from regulation summary
Resident 72,731 30,240 27,664 130,635
Canadian Non-resident 11,705 2,884 4,048 18,637
Other Non-resident 16,885 3,149 1,812 21,846
Total 101,321 36,273 33,524 171,118
Fishing info from magazines
Resident 98,922 23,110 8,603 130,635
Canadian Non-resident 14,549 2,824 1,263 18,636
Other Non-resident 15,533 4,377 1,936 21,846
Total 129,004 30,311 11,802 171,117
Other fishing resources
Resident 128,720 718 1,197 130,635
Canadian Non-resident 18,271 0 366 18,637
Other Non-resident 20,238 85 1,523 21,846
Total 167,229 803 3,086 171,118

Question 16. Assessment of personal angling skill.
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
No Response 7,135 237 1,035 8,407
Expert 9,607 1,064 3,755 14,426
Experienced 76,408 10,307 15,123 101,838
Average 115,939 13,651 10,709 140,299
Beginner 32,256 5,540 1,888 39,684
Total 241,345 30,799 32,510 304,654

Question 17. Do you intend to fish in British Columbia freshwater in 2006?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
No response 10,481 661 1,185 12,327
Yes 219,045 23,372 18,498 260,915
No 11,820 6,766 12,826 31,412
Total 241,346 30,799 32,509 304,654

Question 18. Did you fish in British Columbia tidal waters in 2005?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
No response 6,633 0 199 6,832
Yes 54,099 4,864 3,837 62,800
No 180,614 25,935 28,473 235,022
Total 241,346 30,799 32,509 304,654

If yes, how many days did you fish in British Columbia tidal waters in 2005?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Days fished (number) 511,143 17,259 23,175 551,578
Average per angler (days fished) 9.4 3.5 6.0 8.8

Do you intend to fish in British Columbia tidal waters in 2006?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
No response 28,402 3,011 3,817 35,230
Yes 86,695 8,676 3,759 99,130
No 126,248 19,113 24,933 170,294
Total 241,345 30,800 32,509 304,654

Question 19. Does your household have access to a computer with Internet capabilities?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
No response 6,500 237 199 6,936
Yes 186,692 25,053 29,005 240,750
No 48,154 5,509 3,306 56,969
Total 241,346 30,799 32,510 304,655

Would you consider purchasing your fishing licence through a secure on-line website?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Yes 98,001 15,105 20,074 133,180
No 90,082 9,948 8,959 108,989
Total 188,083 25,053 29,033 242,169

Would you accept paying a service fee to cover the cost of an on-line transaction?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Yes 27,051 5,632 12,679 45,362
No 70,950 9,474 7,395 87,819
Total 98,001 15,106 20,074 133,181

What maximum amount would you expect to pay for an on-line transaction?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
$1.00 8,896 900 2,313 12,109
$2.00 9,899 1,382 3,977 15,258
$3.00 4,067 1,004 2,951 8,022
$4.00 713 0 454 1,167
$5.00 3,022 1,521 2,757 7,300
> $5.00 453 825 227 1,505

If there had been no fishing opportunities in British Columbia freshwater in 2005, what would you have done? (Non-residents only)
  Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
No response 2,959 2,109 5,068
Stayed shorter time 0 3,984 3,984
Substituted other activities 10,788 14,482 25,270

Question 20. Would you donate money to independent organizations who deliver programs designed to improve recreational fishing opportunities or educate young or new anglers?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
No response 8,016 1,427 809 10,252
Yes 71,779 10,434 12,278 94,491
No 161,550 18,938 19,422 199,910
Total 241,345 30,799 32,509 304,653

If yes, how much would you be willing to donate annually?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
$1 to $10 20,232 1,629 3,996 25,857
$10.01 to $20 24,829 3,695 3,671 32,195
$20.01 to $30 13,565 2,973 2,013 18,551
$30.01 to $40 1,379 177 171 1,727
$40.01 to $50 6,732 839 1,036 8,607
More than $50 5,042 1,120 1,392 7,554
Total 71,779 10,433 12,279 94,491

Question 28. How many members of your household were under 16 years of age? How many fished for recreation in British Columbia freshwater in 2005?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Number of household members under 16 82,290 9,849 7,660 99,799
Number of anglers under 16 years 58,889 3,697 3,992 66,579

How many days in total did they fish?
  Resident Canadian Non-resident Other Non-resident Total
Number of days fished 288,735 26,291 21,072 336,099
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