DS Fishing Blog

So, the general rule is, give people the room they want to fish.  A wave hello and a friendly greeting as you give them a wide berth (especially if they are actively fishing) and you'll find out if they are in the mood to talk.  If you are on the water and come across someone also on the water but coming from the other direction, the person working upstream should be given the right of way.  There is no law, but there has been written precident to suggest that fly anglers have dealt with this for some time.  After all, someone has to have the right of way.  Now, if you are the one with the right of way and the other guy (or gal) doesn't yield, then take the high road pal and get out and move upstream.  What are you gonna do, throw down right there in your waders?  It ain't worth it He-man, just keep moving and know that the other guy is a smack-tard.

If you pull up to fish your favorite spot and someone else is there first, then they get to fish it... until they are done... unless its your property, of course.  This may not make me friends with locals, but no matter how long you've been fishing a spot, if it is on public land with legal public access, you may fish it better, but you don't own it.  Them's the facts buddy.  

Moving on.  If you see someone sitting on the bank, perhaps tying his leader or a fly, perhaps just sitting, do NOT assume that the hole he is at is yours to fish.  He may be letting the fish sit.  In other words, he may want to give them time to settle a bit if he's been working that water.  This is acceptable streamside etiquette.  It is not your turn unless that angler has moved or given you permission.  "Mind if I cast a line in there?'' is a fair question.  But, if he's still working the water he will tell you and you should respect that.  On the other hand if you assume he's done and start casting, you may find yourself having a nice little streamside altercation.  Either way, you'ld be wrong.  

When you come across another fly fisherman on the water and you are the one that needs to move to another spot, make sure as you move you are far enough from the water that you can't see it.  More specifically, do NOT just meander along the bank to another spot.  You will effectively spook ever fish this person may be working.  And do not cross directly upstream (especially if they are working upstream) or downstream (especially if they are working downstream) of someone fishing.  The trout in the area will hear/feel/sense you and you spook them.

Here are a couple other unwritten rules.  Don't help land someone's fish unless they ask.  Ask permission if you are fishing private land.  Don't leave trash (I can't believe I have to state this, but I do.) 

When it gets crowded, particularly at the beginning of the season, tempers can flare.  The more we work together to understand and fish with a common set of etiquette guidlines the more enjoyment we will all have.  So, slow down and let that person in.  You can take the next exit.  It may be where you wanted to get to anyway.

Peace and tight lines. 

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