The 2024 Special Report on Fishing confirms what many of us in the industry have sensed for the past year: more Americans are fishing than ever before, and that includes a growing number of fly anglers. With 57.7 million people casting a line in 2023, participation is not only rebounding but also reaching record-breaking levels. For AFFTA members, this is encouraging news. 

Fly fishing reached a milestone last year, with over 8 million participants, representing a 6% increase from 2022. For just the second time ever, the national fly fishing participation rate reached 3%. Even more significant? 10% of fly anglers in 2023 were first timers. This new wave of participation is being fueled by younger, more diverse, and digitally engaged anglers—precisely the demographic AFFTA members need to nurture to ensure the long-term health of our sport and industry.

However, while participation is increasing, engagement remains shallow. Nearly half of all fly anglers only fished 1 to 3 times last year, and overall outing frequency continues to decline across all fishing categories.

Retention is the name of the game. The Special Report makes clear that while recruitment numbers are strong (4.2 million people tried fishing for the first time in 2023), 12.3 million dropped out, most of them infrequent participants.

As an industry, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to close that gap, and AFFTA members are uniquely positioned to:

• Equip newcomers with affordable, accessible gear that lowers the barrier to entry.
• Invest in beginner-friendly education, both online and in-store.
• Collaborate with guides and outfitters to create entry-level fly fishing experiences.
• Support marketing that reflects the growing diversity of our sport.

The report also reveals shifts in who’s fishing.

• Female participation hit an all-time high of 21.3 million, 37% of all anglers and 41% of first timers.
• Participation from Black and Hispanic individuals surged, with 5.2 million and 6.3 million participants, respectively, marking the highest levels on record.
• Teen participation (ages 13–17) increased by 14% from 2022, while participation among younger children declined.

These are not just stats, they’re signals. Fly fishing has long wrestled with perceptions of exclusivity. The next generation of anglers doesn’t just want to fish, and they want to see themselves in the sport. AFFTA’s ongoing work to foster a more inclusive industry through events like Confluence has never been more relevant.

This report is both a validation and a roadmap. People are discovering fishing in record numbers, but now they need compelling reasons to stay. That means ensuring water access and protecting aquatic habitats, because without healthy fisheries, there’s no fishing. It means creating community-oriented retail experiences in brick-and-mortar shops that make new anglers feel welcome and supported. And it means elevating the emotional and social value of time on the water; it’s not just the gear, but the connection, relaxation, and joy that fishing uniquely provides. 

Fly fishing will never be the easiest entry point into the sport, but it can be the most rewarding. And with the right tools, support, and storytelling, AFFTA members can be the bridge between a first cast and a lifelong passion.

Let’s keep them on the water.