After witnessing some really appalling angling behaviour last week I thought it might be a good idea to discuss salmon fishing etiquette and compile/agree a list of do and don’ts.

Here is a short list for starters!

DOs

1. Always start upstream of an angler if they are fishing the same pool (no matter which side of the river they are on). If they are fishing the neck of the pool then wait until they have moved down. (if they are going very slow and/or the pool is very long – they may invite you to start lower down.)
2. Keep your distance. As a rule of thumb I would say twice the width of the river or more and always at least 50 metres.
3. Always step and cast – (you can step as many times as you like between casts – but not less than 1 step of 3 feet).
4. If you are fishing with a fishing partner(s) – take it in turns to fish down the pools first. Your guest should have the very first cast.
5. Kill salmon (if you really must) quickly and with a priest before struggling with the hook.
6. If you are fishing very slowly (because of physical constraints) invite others to fish in front of you.
7. Carry your rod horizontally with tip pointing behind you.


DON’TS
1. Do not wade too deep. In most cases up to the knee is ideal. Any deeper and you may be standing on where salmon lie. Very occasionally you may have to wade deep (but close in to your own bank) just to create space for the cast or to keep well hidden. But NEVER wade to reach further – that almost always has the opposite effect.
2. When wading, unless the fishery is double bank, do not stand further than half-way across the river channel (bank to bank – not water).
3. Do not land a salmon for another person unless they invite you to do so.


What more would you add or change from above?

Colin

What to do when you encounter someone(s) fishing a pool and NOT moving after each cast?

Several times recently I've come up behind people not moving, and who were pretty hostile when it was suggested they should...

Good question!.

Suggest:

Follow specific fishery/Club rules and keep a copy of same on person while fishing to present to those not adhering to them.

Keep phone numbers of fishery manager, ghillies or bailiffs to hand.

Very common situation here on the Upper Rogue River during 'mixed gear' season. If 'they're' not moving, just ask 'do you mind if I go in below you (assuming you don't know the person)? That said, waaaaay below.

Second situation: Long run and guys camped out on a rock. Just go to the head of the pool, fish down to the point where your fly is still reasonably above. Reel in and walk a suitable distance below.

Will either of the above 'fluff the occasional tail feather?' Yup, but the Clown doesn't understand (care?) about River Etiquette; so be it.

fae

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