River etiquette

[fcch]

I'm pretty steamed at the "guide" that DC's dad met last saturday (Thread: A general question regarding guides.).

So's not to run off at the mouth, I thought i would be better to lookup the "rules of the Road" better known as River etiquette. I found and compiled a few notes from around the world. Please feel free to add or comment:

There is also pretty good page @:
Rules for the River

1) When the pool has only limited casting postions and anglers are lining up, rotation is 15 minutes each. This gives one the chance to try 2 flies at a leiserly pace or 3-4 flies very quickly.

2) Downstream swings let a gang fish at the same time and the anglers all move down stream at the same pace. If you get a rise from a lie, you get 10 minutes at the same lie (so's you can change flies), then move on.

3) All anglers yield to an angler with a fish on.

4) Boats should always yield to wade anglers, however, there are going to be instances when the wading angler should yield to floaters, because there is no other channel for the floaters to navigate. (Courtesy Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)

Note fcch: This doesn't mean a floater can go charging through a lie. When I guide on floats, there are few places where the channel is too narrow. If there are anglers around, I pull up, have a word and ask to drift through.

5) When possible, avoid using the streambed as a pathway. This type of foot traffic can cause damage to the fragile aquatic habitat. Anglers should use the shoreline to travel from one point to the other, if doing so doesn't violate trespass and stream access laws. (Courtesy Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)

6 - 11 courtesy The Deschutes Angler Flyshop & Guide Service (Oregon)

6) Always communicate with other river users in a positive and courteous manner.

7) Minimize the impact of your watercraft on other users.

8) Respect other anglers' water. Ask before entering a run that they are fishing or which they may be resting.

9) Boaters - Look ahead for anglers and give them a wide berth; pass by peacefully.

10) Never assume you can join a group or individual without asking first.

11) Do not fish over or harass spawning fish. (Note fcch: In many jurisdictions, this is illegal)

12) Anglers moving upstream (dryflying) have right of way over anglers moving downstream (it's more difficult wading moving upstream so they get the easiest route they can make).

13) TRASH - If you can carry it in, you can carry it out (and then some)


My 0.02$ anyway