Wyoming Framework Water Plan - Living Rivers Home Page

5.0 USE
5.5 RECREATIONAL WATER USE
5.5.1 Introduction
Recreational uses of water are important and generally nonconsumptive. Uses include boating,
fishing, swimming, and waterfowl hunting among others. While consumption of water is usually not
involved, the existence of a sufficient water supply for a quality experience is important. The quality and
quantity of good recreational opportunities are highly dependent on water quality and quantity.
Recreation, including tourism, is one of Wyoming’s major industries. Hunters and anglers alone spent
$700,588,360 in the state in the year 2000.
Data for this section of the report were obtained for the seven basin plans from the regulatory
agencies assigned the task of managing recreation in basin waterways. Those agencies include the
Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural
Resources, USFWS, BLM, and USBR.
5.5.2 Current Water Use
Tourism and recreational use consist of two sectors,
resident use and nonresident (tourism) use. Due to a lack of
water-based recreational opportunities, some areas of Wyoming
are not tourist destinations. The northwest portion of the state,
on the other hand, is a popular recreation destination and
experiences large visitation. This area includes the Snake/Salt
River Basin, part of the Green River Basin, and part of the
Wind/Bighorn River Basin.
The following sections describe the major types of
recreation in the State that require water:
! Fishing
! Boating
! Waterfowl hunting
! Skiing and winter sports
! Golfing
Fishing
Fishing is a major water-based recreational activity pursued in the state. It is the most popular
water-based recreational activity for residents in many areas of the state. As with boating, fishing is a
nonconsumptive use of water, and in most cases is dependent on water devoted to other uses such as
irrigation or municipal. A notable exception to this dependency is the instream flow water right program
administered by the State of Wyoming. Instream flows are discussed later in this chapter.
The State of Wyoming classifies trout streams under the five designations listed below:
! Class 1 – Premium trout waters – fisheries of national importance
! Class 2 – Very good trout waters – fisheries of statewide importance
! Class 3 – Important trout waters – fisheries of regional importance
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