Stream Side Manners
By Janice OÕShea
When I was growing up, one of the many things I learned was to be mannerly around people and to respect others. Today, I teach these values not only to school age children but also to adults in my fly fishing classes. And one of the most important subjects dealing with fly fishing concerns angling etiquette.
No one should go through a fly fishing class without an instructor spending time on this very subject. No one should be fishing without knowledge of angling etiquette. We owe it to each other and the trout in our streams to know, understand, and practice streamside etiquette.
Following is a list of very important items that should be addressed by anglers and also fly fishing guides/instructors.
¥ Check your equipment the night before your trip. Change the leader out if it looks ragged and shorter than its normal length. A worn leader can break while fighting a fish. And while fighting a fish, it is best to bring the fish into the net as quickly as possible. Using very light tippet can extend the time to land a fish. I like to use nothing lighter than a 5x tippet. There is occasion where I will try a 6x but I never use 7x or 8x tippet.
¥ Colorado has many small and medium sized streams. Some are as small as 15-20 feet wide. Many of us can cast that distance across the stream. It is best not to stand and fish directly across from someone on a small stream.
70 feet should be the distance apart from angler to angler. On smaller streams and creeks, it will be farther. If you notice a favorite spot and it is within that distance, ask the other angler if you could fish that spot. Chances are they will appreciate your consideration and say yes; and then you may become friends and find yourself exchanging information and flies.
¥ If an angler is fishing a pool near the bank of a river or stream, walk a good distance around from the bank so you wonÕt spook the fish in that pool.
¥ Because walk wade anglers have fewer places on a river to access than the floating anglers, walk wade anglers have the right of way. That means that anglers in a boat should not cast when going through the wading anglerÕs water. The anglers in a boat should reel their lines in until they have passed the area the wader angler is fishing. The wading angler should also give the oarsman on the boat an idea of where they are casting before the boat comes into that area. This gives the oarsman an opportunity to steer the craft away from the wader angler. There are a number of people using the rivers for recreation. IÕve caught a lot of trout fishing behind a splashing flotilla coming down a river.
¥ Another very important item of etiquette to remember is that the first angler to arrive at the river, stream or lake has a right of way to fish that area. Standing and observing the water is key to understanding how to fish that water. No angler should be fishing near another angler that is observing the water or rigging his or her rod up.
¥ Sometimes anglers get excited when they hook into a fish and yell with enthusiasm. WeÕve all done that a time or two. ItÕs ok to get excited, but remember that a lot of anglers fish not only for the catch but also because of the solitude of the sport.
¥ A good net is an important tool for landing fish. A net with soft netting is much better for trout than a net made of harsh nylon fabric.
¥ Another great tool to have on hand is the ketchum release tool. This tool can be used to release a trout from the hook without touching the fish.
But if you are like me, I do like to touch trout. When taking pictures, keep the trout in the water as long as possible until the camera and the person taking the picture is ready. Then, lift the trout, take the pictures and return the trout to the water quickly. By the way, when you are holding the trout for the picture, try to keep your hands placed behind the trout. Did you know that if you hold the trout close to the camera lens, it looks a lot bigger?
¥ Become an expert at catch and release and know how to hold and revive trout.
¥ Fish with de-barbed hooks. ItÕs safer for you and best for the trout.
¥ It is best not to fish to spawning trout. They are busy laying and guarding the eggs. Only approximately 1% of those eggs are successfully hatched.
Below the spawning trout are the Òjack troutÓ. It is ok to fish to them. They are awaiting eggs that drift below the spawning trout.
¥ Last but not least, respect private property. Always ask before you fish on private water. DonÕt forget to buy and carry your fishing license. If you are fishing on private water, you must have a fishing license. Even while guiding, I have been checked for my license.
Enjoy the remaining fishing days of fall and the upcoming days of winter.
About The Author
Janice OÕShea is a native of Colorado and has fished since she was eight years old. She has fly fished more than 20 years. Janice is a veteran teacher with degrees in elementary and secondary education. She has turned her passion and commitment for the outdoors to guiding and teaching Fly Fishing in Colorado. Janice established her company, Trout Trips, LLC, 8 years ago, and is currently the guide service for Flat Iron Fishing Company in the Village at Flatirons. She is anxious to sare her knowledge and provide a memorable flyfishing experience for you. You can contact Janice at 303-584-0465, or www.trouttrips.com.
