The subject that I am about to cover, is not sexy; it will not help to better
understand the trout, however, it may impart the knowledge that will allow
you to enjoy your days on the trout stream more completely. To me, fly fishing
is fun and I do not care for those few individuals who display bad manner
and loud poor talk on a trout stream where I am fishing. However, it is possible
that these boorish individuals have never been educated in the proper etiquette
and manner to be used on the trout streams of the world. Therefore I wish
to share the following information.
In the year 1496, “Treatyse of Fysshynge with an Angle” was
published; the author was Dame Juliana Berners, and that was the accepted
beginnings of fly fishing literature as we know it today. Since that time
thousands of volumes have been published dealing with the various subjects
which covers fly fishing. Also, there have been millions of newspaper and
magazine articles published dealing with this same subject, fly fishing.
Therefore, a logical person might assume that all areas of fly fishing have
been thoroughly covered, but alas, that is not the case. Most of the magazines
and books published in recent years have neglected to cover the subject of
fly fishing etiquette!
Unless you are extremely wealthy and can afford to buy your own stream you
are generally sharing the water you fish with other anglers. I have had the
great good fortune of making my home in Livingston, Montana where I have been
guiding and fishing the area waters for over thirty years. Within a two hundred
and fifty mile circle of Livingston is some of the finest wild trout fishing
to be found in the world. Yet seldom am I the lone angler or guide on the
water. In my role as a teaching guide I have often been asked; “What
is the acceptable procedure for sharing the water with other anglers?” “What
should I do or say to those individuals who are rude or crowd in to close
to?” The first question is fairly easy to answer. Fly
Fishing Etiquette is simply nothing more than common sense and the best way
to define etiquette is: “Do unto others as you would have then do unto
you.”
In Webster’s New World Dictionary the word Etiquette is defined
as follows*: “The forms, manners and ceremonies established by
convention as acceptable or required in society or in a profession.”* After
reading this definition you would think that fly fishers would have no problems
with each other, that acceptable manners come very natural to most fly fishers
and therefore seldom would there be any clash between them. However, there
are those few, who either by deeds, words or both, show that they have no
manners or common sense, thus creating problems for themselves and the anglers
around them.
Sometimes anglers who feel that their space has been invaded cause problems
by yelling and swearing at the offender. Me, I don’t do that and feel
that it accomplish nothing positive. I will, offer to explain what fly fishing
etiquette is and how it works.
Sometime, when being crowded, I will walk up to the individual, extended my
hand and softly say; “Hi, my name is Tom, if we are going
to be fishing this close together, I thought I should introduce myself.” Mostly
I get a handshake, an apology, and room to fish in.
I would also like to caution anglers about yelling at someone who is crowding
them. On some eastern streams, which see a lot more anglers than we do in
the west, 100 to 150 feet is an acceptable distance. Some anglers in the west
would feel that 100 yards would be to close. However, let us be realistic
and learn how to be polite and share the water with others.
For the wading fly fisher most problems, can be avoided if we use common sense
and make an honest attempt at being courteous. Here are a few simple rules
that work for me.
-
If you are fishing downstream, yield the right-of-way to the angler fishing
upstream. -
When you are fishing along a stream and chance upon another angler, get
out and move around the angler, giving plenty of room so you don’t spook
the trout. -
Never crowd anyone. Other anglers have the right to their own space
without some one edging in on them. If you’re not sure, ask!! -
If you encounter an angler who appears to be sitting on the bank resting
or watching an area, be kind enough not to jump in and start fishing. Also,
you might ask, so you can move around the angler without spooking the trout
being rested. -
Don’t trespass or litter and treat all property and streams with
care. If a gate is closed, make sure you keep it that way. Don’t build
unauthorized fires. Obey all rules established by the landowner that allows
you on his land to fish.
The angler that fishes from a floating craft faces some other problems that
must be considered.
-
Never float over the water a wading angler is working. If the river is
narrow, stop the boat and ask where you can pass so as to not disturb the
trout being worked. -
Remember that being in a boat doesn’t give you any special right
and simple courtesy to other anglers who are floating or wading will make
for a more enjoyable day for everyone. -
Don’t race your boat to beat someone to a spot. If that is the ONLY spot
to fish try another river. -
Always be aware of the other anglers in your area regardless of whether
they are wading or floating. This will keep you from crowding someone. -
Never yell at other anglers because they may be fishing a method different
from yours. With this I am not just talking about those who may be fishing
with lures or bait. I am also referring to certain individual who believe
that their fly fishing method is the only fly fishing method. In history
the most famous example is the battle between the dry fly anglers and those
who were fishing nymphs. A few years ago I watched battles between anglers
over the use of strike indicators. -
When fishing on the water, lower your voice, the stranger upstream may
not enjoy your conversation. -
Know the fishing laws of the stream you are fishing.
These are the rules I operate under, regardless of whether I am fishing or
guiding. I have never had a problem that could not be dealt with in an easy
and peaceful manner without resorting to yelling or other poor actions. I
could list rules for the stillwater angler or those who fish the shorelines
of ponds, lakes or even the beaches of the oceans, but, I think with a little
common sense and courtesy it is easy to figure out these situations.
For those of us who are long time fly fishers it is our responsibility to
educate the new angler to the Etiquette of fly fishing. It we do not, the
sport of fly fishing will pay the price.
Originally published August 17, 2009 on Fly Anglers Online by Tom Travis.