It used to be that most new fly fishers were gradually introduced to the sport of fly fishing by a family member or friend who had a fishing background. And various rules of behavior were acquired over time and adhered to as a matter of course. Nowadays, many newcomers are welcomed to the sport with no tradition to rely upon for guidance, so streamside misunderstanding can easily arise.
The rules of streamside behavior are few and easily observed. Mostly they revolve around common sense, courtesy and consideration of others sharing the stream.
A section of water belongs to the first angler fishing it. Crowding another angler is inconsiderate; if you approach him or her, make sure to ask before moving into the area and to give the angler enough space so the two of you can fish without interference. A slow moving or stationary fly fisher has every right to remain just where he or she is. If you are moving, leave the water and walk around the angler, being certain not to disturb his or her fishing area or the water he or she might be working. In a similar vein, an angler may be moving very slowly, step by step in the water, or planning his or her next move. It is still that angler's water, and you should not jump in without permission.
A fly fisher working in an upstream direction has the right-of-way over someone coming downstream. Wading upstream against the current forces you to move slowly, cover less water and approach fish from behind. The angler working in a downstream direction covers more water, more quickly, and has the potential to disturb more water. Careless wading could send silt or debris washing downstream to alarm fish someone else is approaching from behind. Many streams flow through private property. Recognize that access is a privilege, not a right. Respect private property. If you are unsure about access, ask the landowner politely. On farm properties: don't trample crops, disturb livestock or leave gates open.
Leave no litter at streamside. In fact, get in the habit of picking up discarded monofilament, cans and other trash, and carrying them out to be discarded properly.
Recognize that skilled anglers and/or heavy fishing pressure with excessively liberal limits can greatly reduce the available fish populations in any stream section unless voluntary restraint is practiced. A legal limit is not a quota. Let your fishing motto be: Limit your kill and don't kill your limit. Catch and release is always encouraged as a philosophy of angling, allowing fish to mature, reproduce and live to challenge other anglers in the future.
Often times you'll fish from a canoe, tube or driftboat. It is your responsibility to recognize that another angler who has established a position before you float by has claim to that spot. You should pass behind the angler. If space doesn't permit this, float by quietly and do not cause a disturbance.
In summary, behave on a stream toward other anglers as you would like them to behave toward you. Welcome to the world of fly fishing.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T other anglers.
Some other points anglers should remember:
- If you're fishing on the bank of a river and there are other anglers lined up as well, it's a good idea to rotate positions so that everyone has an equal chance at the prime spots along the river bank. This usually occurs in camps and on guided trips. However, make sure you ask other anglers before rotating.
- Give other anglers enough room to land a fish. If it's necessary, take your line out of the water and give them some space. This may happen when you're fishing downriver and another angler has to move downriver to land a fish.
- Never get in another angler's way when he or she is landing or releasing a fish.
- Be very quiet on the water. Radios and barking dogs should not be brought with you on a fishing trip. You don't want to spook the fish, and you certainly don't want to disturb the other anglers nearby.
- Always help out another angler if he or she is in trouble.
- Try not to disturb natural areas while you are fishing. Avoid cutting down live trees or branches, and do not dig up vegetation.
- Unpack only what you need, and properly discard your waste. And it's a good idea to pick up whatever trash you see. If you see some discarded fly line or an old fly on the ground, pick it up and dispose of it properly.
- Whenever possible, practice catch and release.
Remember, fly fishing in a stream, pond, lake or river is a privilege, not a right. A state regulatory body will revoke your fishing license if you are guilty of violating any regulations.
