Well, it's time for trout season in most states now. Stream etiquette is a list of common sense unwritten rules of respect for fishermen to follow while fishing streams. It helps make a day on a river much more peaceful and issue free. Most of all, it is a way of showing respect for other fishermen, and the river.

When you are walking down a stream and another person is fishing ahead of you walk on shore as to not disturb their fishing area or walk as far behind them as possible. Take a minute to observe their fishing actions to make sure your route is the best choice. Feel free to ask them if they are moving up or down stream etc.

Do not crowd other fishermen, respect their space. I like to follow the rule of keeping at least 100 feet or more away form any other fishermen when in crowded areas. If there is a special hole that you really want to fish and it is taken, and if space is available, politely ask if it’s ok to share the spot. Many times the answer will be yes and I have made some great friends this way.

Give the right of way to someone who is fighting a fish. Take your line in so it dose not get tangled in theirs. Do not move into their fishing spot when they move down stream to fight the fish. Offer to help them net the fish and the favor might really pay off when you hook a huge lunker and need some help.

Treat spin and bait fisherman with the same respect as you would give another fly fisherman. They have just as much of a right to be on the stream as you do, and nothing gives the fly fishing community more of a bad reputation than someone preaching arrogantly to other fishermen.

If someone is using improper stream etiquette it is best to politely explain your views and opinions to them. This will have greater results than harshly complaining or making rude comments. Setting a proper example is probably the most effective way of getting the point across and it can be very contagious. If a person persists to act disrespectful it is best to just move on to another spot instead of getting to angry and affecting your fun day on the river.

Respect the property of others and obey no trespassing signs. Cutting across private land or being careless about where you enter or exit a stream is a sure way to have private property signs pop up all along your favorite stretch of river. Unfortunately in some states (PA for example) if a land owner owns both sides of a river, he also owns that section of river.

This etiquette can be applied to more than the fisherman who is wading and should be used just as much while boating either on a stream or a lake. While floating down a river you do not have the right of way over wading fisherman, just because you are in a boat. If possible, always try to drift behind a fisherman. Don’t park your drift boat in the middle of a hole with people already there actively fishing. And, try to be just as courteous and respectful at the launch or take out site with other boaters.

For the most part applying proper stream etiquette is just using common sense and being respectful to fellow fishermen or sportsmen. Treat others in the same way that you would want to be treated. So while out on your favorite fishing waters practice proper stream etiquette, and most of all pass it on and teach it to others.

Tags: Fishing

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