by Jeremy Devries

Created on: January 22, 2009

So what is good fly fishing and river etiquette exactly? Everyone seems to have their own opinions and these opinions are very area specific. As a professional fly fishing guide, river etiquette is something I have lived by for 15 years. It has been my manual, my manuscript, my playbook or the bible to me. Whatever you call it, I have lived by rules of etiquette set by pros that have come before me. These guru's have past on "the rules" and I would like to share them with as many people as I can. It is incredible how many people have no idea about river etiquette and that these rules change from area to area. Lets start with some basics that go for any river anywhere.

#1. Never leave litter on the banks of the river (this includes cigarette/cigar butts for you smokers who don't seem to think that's littering)

#2. Make every attempt to leave nature the way the good lord intended it.

#3. Do not hoot, holler, shout or yell while fly fishing. No one cares about the fish you caught. Save that for the Lakers game please!

#4. Wading anglers have the right of way. Boats should offer 1/2 of the river to wading anglers.

#5. If you get beat to a favorite spot,... tough. Deal with it and get out of bed earlier next time. Leave immediately and find a different spot.

#6. Never walk around, drop an anchor or displace in any way the gravel of a spawning bed (if you don't know what one looks like, ask!)

#7. Do not load and unload your gear into your boat on a boat ramp. Launch you boat, and get out of the way!

#8. If you have studded boots, be sure to ask the owner of the boat if they are ok. I hate studs, they ruin my boat!

#9. If you can have a conversation with someone in a normal voice, you're too close. You should ask if it is alright to fish in that spot.

#10. When boating on a river, don't cut another boat off to "get the good bank" first. Likewise, avoid boating within 2X casting distance.

#11. Don't start fires during the summer months! I don't care how many wieners you need to cook!

#12. Did I mention there is no need to hoot, hollar and yell and scream on the river?

These are basic rules of etiquette that are true from any place you intend to fish. Many local rules of etiquette are different from place to place, for example it is generally acceptable to fish for spawning salmon in Alaska. However, fishing for spawning trout in most western rivers is considered poor etiquette. Likewise I stood shoulder to shoulder with other steel head anglers in Alaska. In Montana where I'm from, 100 yards between anglers is more acceptable.

The best way to practice good river etiquette is to stop in to a local sporting good store or fly shop, and ask what is generally acceptable behavior for the location. Better still, ask a local guide. These guys and gals have been on the water for months on end. Guides will know exactly what you should be aware of, will often offer pointers for free, and will make sure you are considerate of all the other anglers near you that day. Treat everyone with respect and remember: Dont treat poeple the way YOU want to be treated, treat them the way THEY want to be treated.

Learn more about this author, Jeremy Devries.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.