New study shows fishing can support your mental health and wellbeing

Key findings

Key findings from this landmark study published in Leisure Sciences:

Active anglers were:

✓ 52% less likely to experience moderate-to-severe psychological distress

✓ 46% less likely to experience moderate-to-severe anxiety

✓ 52% less likely to report thoughts of self-harm

The research found a clear "dose-response relationship" - the more you fish, the better your mental health outcomes.

Specific elements of trout fishing that enhanced the benefits:

• Wading in water
• Fishing with companions
• Physical activity from accessing fishing locations
• Catching fish!

The benefits were consistent across gender and ethnic groups, including both New Zealand European and Māori participants.

Read our media release and fact sheet about the study here.

What we say

What our people and researchers said:

Fish & Game New Zealand Chief Operating Officer Richie Cosgrove said the scale and rigour of the findings provided significant evidence of fishing's mental health value.

"We've long suspected that the peace and connection anglers find on our rivers and lakes goes deeper than just recreation, but this research provides further proof at a scale never before achieved globally.”

Southland Fish & Game's Cohen Stewart led the research: "With nearly 1,900 participants from across Aotearoa, this study contributes to previous international research and gives us confidence that trout fishing genuinely supports mental wellbeing. The fact that we found a clear dose-response relationship – the more anglers fished, the better their mental health outcomes – is particularly compelling."

Dr Nada-Raja, a wellbeing and suicide prevention researcher from the University of Otago, collaborated with Fish & Game on the research and said the findings could reshape approaches to mental health support.

"What we're seeing here is evidence that nature-based activities like trout fishing could serve as valuable complements to traditional mental health treatments.

"Some people who might not access conventional counselling services may find heading out to a river for a few hours both appealing and beneficial."

Dr Nada-Raja said another special thing about the study was it was essentially one of the largest studies on men’s mental health and wellbeing done in New Zealand.

“By seeking information about angling and its benefits we have learned a lot about the mental health and wellbeing of men from all walks of life as they were the majority of participants.”

Can you help spread the message?

This is an important message 

This research highlights a clear link between recreational trout fishing and improved mental health and well-being among anglers.

Angling may play a valuable role in supporting mental health and can reduce pressure on our healthcare system, especially at a time when the well-being of the population is declining and
healthcare services are under increasing strain.

The benefits of angling are clear. Let's ensure everyone knows. Please share what you get out of fishing with your communities, friends and families. Comment on our post on Facebook or just drop us an email. 

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