By — Bob Churchill, Kent Higgins, Van Bliss, Doug & Cathy Houser
Www.cutthroatctu.org
Long before fly fishing, proper etiquette and respect for another’s space existed. Although
the practice of etiquette is questionable at times, distinct and desirable behaviors are supposed
to separate the human race from all other animal species. Therefore, we often
need to remind ourselves of proper behaviors while fishing.
These basic rules are intended to help anglers understand how to make their fishing
experiences, on or near the water, more enjoyable for themselves and others.
Etiquette
On and Off the River
Know the specific state and local fishing
regulations for the waters you fish.
Fish barbless hooks —
do yourself, your friends, and the
fish a favor, pinch down all barbs.
Be mindful of your manners and
language, particularly around youngsters
—
they learn from example.
When water temperature rises
significantly —
stop fishing and thus eliminate
stressing fish.
If asked to critique another, do it in
a positive manner, don’t criticize the
flies or techniques of others. Offer
advice only if asked, and ask only if
you’re willing to listen.
Talking to another angler is
acceptable, and quite proper.
Not talking to another angler is
acceptable, and quite proper.
When passing another angler do it with
common sense.
Most people don’t like to fish where the
water has just been beat to a froth by
another angler, so leave some unspoiled
water between you and the other angler
before entering the water. This distance
is determined by the ratio of anglers on
the water.
Examples:
• if fishing on water where only one or two
anglers are in sight, observe the other
anglers few minutes to see how fast they
are moving upstream – then give them
space to fish for about an hour before
you enter the water. This could mean
leaving two to three prime fishing spots
open before returning to the water.
When fishing in areas like Deckers, the
Green or the San Juan when it’s crowded,
moving up-stream one hole or run is
totally acceptable.
• If on the river bank, swing out upto 20-
feet as not to spook any fish upstream
from the angler.
• Consider crossing the river and
proceeding up the other side to another
location.
• If several anglers exist and are
“leap-frogging” back and forth,
leave each plenty of room to fish
upstream before you enter the
water.
The angler that is traveling
up-stream always has the right of
way over an angler traveling
Down-stream.
Example:
• If an angler wants to retrace
their footsteps down-river and
sees another down-river, exit the
water and go down-river using
the bank, staying far enough
away to prevent spooking fish.
An angler always has the right of
way when they have a fish on.
Example:
• Reel in your line and try to stay
out of their way while they fight their
fish. Many times the angler with the fish on
is trying very hard to keep out of your space
but sometimes circumstances won’t
allow it. It’s totally appropriate to ask the
angler with the fish on if they would like you
to net the fish for them. Many new friendships
have started this way.
Handle fish with care.
The less a fish is handled the better and
the greater chance the fish has to survive.
Fish survival hints:
• Make sure your fishing net’s web is wet
before picking up a fish.
• Wet your hands before handling any fish!
• Don’t squeeze a fish’s stomach.
• Don’t stick your fingers or any object into the
fish’s gills.
• If you can’t remove a hook, from a fish, cut
your tippet line and release the fish before
the fish becomes overly stressed.
• Quickly photograph a fish and immediately
return the fish to water.
• In warmer water conditions try photographing
fish in a net that’s held partially in the
water.
Stay off spawning beds and resist fishing
to spawning trout.
The spawning process is a major key in
our river’s future and what you may catch
next year, and the next, and the next!
Wade only when necessary, as all
aquatic food chains are fragile.
Have fun.
Be a good sport, if the trout gets off before
you land it, laugh it off and consider it
a “LDR” (long distance release), there are
plenty more fish where that one came
from.
Encourage others.
Examples:
• Recognize the talents of others when
fishing.
• Promote these simple rules of fly fishing
etiquette.
Etiquette
On the River
If you spot someone on or near a section
of water, that section of water is theirs until
they move on — even if they stay for
the day.
This respected use belongs to anyone
fishing or not. And, as much as it hurts not
to fish there, stay out unless you have
their permission to enter their domain.
Examples:
• An angler just studying the water
• A person or party having a bank-side
picnic
• A person or party just sitting on the
bank enjoying the scenery
• Children or adults playing in the water
• Bait, spin cast, or flycasting anglers.
When approaching another angler to
find out “how they are doing,” “what
they have observed,” “what flies they
may be using” or if it’s okay to share
the immediate area being fished —
use care as not to spook the fish in
the area.
Example:
• Always approach the angler from
behind and to the side. When you address
another, do so politely, if there is no
response, assume your company or access
is not welcome, say “thank you,” and
move on.
Etiquette
Off the River
Don’t enter the water on a small river or
stream directly across from another angler.
Stay on visible paths and trails.
Example:
• Shortcuts kill delicate vegetation, encourage
future erosion and silting which
endanger the life of fish and destroy
aquatic life!
Report poaching or any other violations.
Don’t litter.
Examples:
• Taking along a plastic bag so you can collect
and take out trash left by others. Dispose
the bag of trash properly.
• Dedicate a small vest pocket to hold the
monofilament line you cut off as birds often
get tangled in the line and die!
No trespassing means just that —
“NO TRESPASSING”
Examples:
• Obtain permission or don’t fish
• When granted permission –
• treat the owners land as if it were
your own
• close all gates behind you
• do not litter.
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