Steelheading Etiquette Best Practices
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.
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.
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.
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