TREAT OTHER ANGLERS THE WAY YOU
WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED
Simple, right? This one is wide open, since
anglers’ perceptions can be very different.
This guideline applies to anglers that you
know and fish with, as well as anglers that
you meet on the river. When fishing with
others, sometimes it is nice to offer the run
first. Or ask what part of the run they would
like to fish first to split the run. If you meet
an angler on the river fishing, it is nice to
greet and communicate with that angler,
asking if it’s okay to step in above him, etc...
OBSERVE OTHER ANGLERS’ TACTICS
BEFORE STEPPING IN A RUN
There are many different ways to cover
water when searching for steelhead. If you
take a few minutes to see how other anglers
are fishing the water they are in, it may help
you figure out how to stay out of their way.
When swinging flies in a run, the etiquette
is to step in well above the other angler
and follow them down through the run.
Never step in below an angler swinging flies
through a run. If they are nymphing, they
might be working upstream or downstream.
DON’T CROWD OTHER ANGLERS
When stepping in above someone, be sure
to give them plenty of room so you are not
swinging flies into their legs. If I had to give
a distance…I would say 2-3 times the length
of your cast is plenty of room, but that also
depends on the river.
GO BACK TO THE TOP AFTER YOU
LAND A FISH
If you are fishing a run, working it
downstream and you hook and land a fish,
be sure to reel up and head back to the top
if other anglers are following you down. Not
only will other anglers appreciate this, but it
brings you great karma.
COMMUNICATE WITH FELLOW
ANGLERS
When approaching a run with other anglers,
it is always important to ask them if they
would mind if you stepped in above them
or wherever you feel would be most out of
their way.
DON’T BE A SLOW POKE
If you are working flies through a run, be
sure to keep moving through the run with
every cast. Especially while swinging flies.
Cast, step, repeat. Don’t be a hole hog.
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