GREGORY L. SUMMERS, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation,
500 E. Constellation, Norman, OK, 73072, USA

Postal and telephone angler surveys were performed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1969, 1977, 1985, 1990 and 1996. These surveys provided direction in policy and fisheries management decisions for the agency. Over time, little change was seen in how far or how long anglers fished. Largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish were the three most sought species by Oklahoma fishers. Reservoirs and farm ponds were where a majority of angler preferred to fish. Oklahomans judged habitat improvement as the most important aspect of fisheries management and responded favorably to new agency programs over time.