Recreational and Landscape Preferences of Anglers in the Case of Lake Tisza

Angling tourism is becoming increasingly important at Central Europe’s largest lowland reservoir, Lake Tisza. The lake, created in the 1970s, covers 127 km 2 and has been increasingly used for recreational and nature conservation purposes recently. This study seeks to identify anglers’ site selection preferences at Lake Tisza, considering hydrological and ecological aspects, in support of sustainable site management. In order to achieve this, an in-person questionnaire survey was carried out covering the whole area during springtime 2024. During the survey period, a total of 224 anglers provided answers about their preferred location and recreational characteristics. Data processing was carried out using SPSS 26 and ESRI ArcGIS version 10.4.1. Based on the created catchment area map, it was found that a significant proportion (74%) of anglers arrive from within a 50 km radius, but the lake also has appeal outside the country. A total of 53.1% of respondents visit the lake several times per month, typically for fishing purposes. In addition, cycling, walking and picnicking are popular recreational activities among anglers. The respondents considering different landscapes (pictures showed by the interviewers) for angling prefer shaded areas with vegetation and a narrow view of the wide expanse of water (62%). The results of the open-ended questions indicate that site selection is primarily based on the existence of a shadow (49.5%), and suitability for fishing is only the second aspect (40.6%). Our study also highlighted the international trend that anglers are more interested in leisure activities in a green environment. In addition, the results have practical significance for more successful recreation planning and sustainable site management.