NET VALUE OF TROUT FISHING OPPORTUNITIES

The consumer surplus or net economic value of trout fishing opportunities in eight Tennessee tailwaters was estimated using the travel cost method (TCM) and the contingent valuation method (CVM). In addition to estimating net benefit under current conditions, the CVM was also used to examine changes in net value under two hypothetical management scenarios: an increased chance of catching more trout and an increased chance of catching a large (> 406 mm total length) trout. Trout anglers (n = 2,570) were contacted on-site at each of the tailwaters between January 2001 and January 2002. Trip expenditures ranged from $29/angler on the South Fork of the Holston River to $149/angler on the Obey. Total expenditures over comparable 6-month periods ranged from $148,213 on the Elk River to $1.5 million on the Hiwassee River. TCM estimates of net value ranged from $7.35/angler/day on the Clinch River to $17.90/angler/day on the Caney Fork River. Total net value over comparable 6-month periods ranged from $34,639 for the Elk River to $485,875 for the Caney Fork River. Total value (expenditures plus net value) over a 6-month fishing season was highest at the Hiwasse