Almost 700,000 anglers contribute nearly $400 million to Iowa's economy each year. Almost half of all Iowans fish, making fishing the most popular participant sport in the state.

The Sport Fish Restoration Act (SFR) of 1950, with the companion Wallop-Breaux Amendment of 1984, placed a 10% tax on fishing related tackle, supplies, and marine fuels purchased by anglers. The state receives a share of this money based on its geographic size and the number of fishing licenses sold. Currently, Iowa's return is nearly $7 for each license sold, which accounts for approximately 28% of the fisheries budget. In the past five years, SFR funds have brought $2.5 million to Iowa annually.

Sport Fish Restoration funds are used to build lakes and lake renovations and accesses, stream habitat improvement, fishing piers, jetties, boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and silt retention structures to protect water quality and extend a lake's life. In addition, funding is used for acquisition, education, research, and development. Your purchase of fishing equipment and motor boat fuels supports sport fish recreation.