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| In the 1980s, walleye fishing in Utah was little understood. The state had a few good walleye lakes, but relatively few anglers fished them. Those who did concentrated almost all their efforts around the spawn in the spring. Because of the low numbers of walleye anglers, management of the species was almost nonexistent.
Rocky Mountain Anglers (RMA) was formed in 1989 by a small group of avid anglers who wanted to learn more about walleye fishing, promote the sport and "give something back" to fishing. The club these anglers established has evolved and strengthened in the years since. After more than a decade, RMA has a solid reputation in the Utah angling community for activism and support. Due in part to RMA's efforts in Utah, walleye management has made great strides and walleye fishing has become increasingly popular.
From its beginnings, the basic foundations of RMA have been service, competition and education.
Service
RMA regularly contributes time and money to projects that improve Utah fisheries. RMA works closely with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah State Parks and other agencies to initiate, plan and complete these projects. Some of the projects include: initiating, helping plan and donating the labor to build a fish cleaning station at Yuba; working with Utah B.A.S.S. clubs to paint and repair campground facilities at Willard Bay; again, working with B.A.S.S. to create habitat reefs at Yuba Reservoir from discarded Christmas trees; and participating in a groundbreaking project at Starvation Reservoir to remove stunted walleye and rejuvenate a dangerously reduced forage population of Utah chub.
The club also assumes a high profile in improving policies and regulations relating to aquatics, angling and other issues important to anglers. RMA members are not shy about supporting policies we agree with or challenging those we don't, and are regularly solicited to participate on committees outside the club. RMA has participated in the Utah Anglers Coalition since its inception. The club has kept an open mind to new ideas, such as promoting walleye harvest as a management tool in some lakes that have limited walleye management options.
Competition
Realizing that competition would better help members learn more about walleye fishing, the founders of RMA created a club tournament system. The club continues to conduct a regular slate of walleye and multi-species club tournaments each year. Participants draw for partners and winners receive plaques rather than money. A nominal entry fee buys plaques and supports club projects. Points in RMA club tournaments are judged by the length of the fish rather than weight, so fish can either be immediately released or kept for the table.
RMA also encourages and supports money tournaments for walleye in Utah. In the early 1990's members of the Chamber of Commerce near Starvation Reservoir approached RMA members about conducting a walleye tournament at the lake. With RMA's continued support, the Starvation Walleye Classic will enter its eleventh year in 2003. RMA has encouraged and supported other team walleye tournaments in Utah. Club members regularly fish tournaments in other states as well.
Education
In addition to the commitment to educating its members, RMA conducts free seminars on Utah walleye fishing each spring in partnership with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah Outdoors Magazine and other sponsors. The last several years seminars have been held in Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah. RMA members and DWR officials readily share their knowledge and secrets at these seminars, and a presentation on angling ethics is a regular feature. The seminars have been very popular, drawing up to 200 interested anglers, and have undoubtedly had an influence on the growth of the sport.
RMA takes great pride in the strides made in Utah walleye management and the growing interest in walleye fishing, but RMA interests are by no means limited to walleye fishing. The club has assisted with projects involving many other species in the state including wipers, tiger muskies, small-mouth bass and catfish. In multi-species club tournaments, members fish for a variety of species from northern pike to panfish. RMA members enjoy fishing for just about everything, which makes the club a network members can draw on for information about the state's waters. RMA is also a charter member and an active participant in the Utah Anglers Coalition.
In the future, RMA will grow and continue working to improve fishing and educate anglers, and we will make good use of all the help we can get along the way.
• Join RMA: Download RMA Application Form (pdf)
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