Abiding by a code of ethics and observing stream etiquette is extremely simple and can make all the difference in the world in how pleasant a fishing outing can be. It involves nothing more than treating other fishermen with thoughtfulness, courtesey, and respect. In other words, treat them the way you would like for them to treat you. Try putting these following points of etiquette into practice and in the long run you won't just make others feel better, you'll feel a lot better about yourself!

Points to Ponder:

• Treat other anglers, your surroundings, and your fish with respect.

• Trout fishing is a vehicle to leave the competition of everyday life and to enter a natural world where gentle people can enjoy being together while respecting one another’s privacy and need for solitude. It is fine to share stories and flies with a stranger, but never a stretch of stream unless invited. This is true, whether on public waters or in the backcountry.

• We fish for different reasons. Some of us go fly-fishing simply to experience some solitude. When you greet another angler on the stream or trail, it’s OK to ask: “How’s fishing?” If the other angler mumbles and looks away, respect his need for privacy and move along.

• Anglers should walk the trail to space themselves so as not to infringe on another angler’s ‘envelope of solitude’. This usually means around a bend and completely out of site of other anglers.

• If someone is fishing a pool, either move along to another section of stream or wait until the other angler is out of the pool and has moved along to another section.

• If you come across an angler sitting on the bank next to a pool, move along. The angler may be ’resting’ the pool or ‘resting’ a particular fish.

• Never cross a stream where another angler is fishing. Find another place that is either well below or out of sight above to cross.

• Never hurry ahead of another angler to cover water which you anticipate the other angler is working his way towards.

• When two anglers meet on the stream and one is fishing ‘up stream’ and the other is fishing ‘down stream’, the angler fishing ‘up’ has the ‘right-of-way’.

• When you discover what fly is working, share the info (and a fly) with other anglers.

• When another angler gives you a fly, open your fly box and give him one of your favorites and tell him when and how you use it.

• Invite someone less fortunate or less experienced to go with you and share your stream knowledge.

• When another angler shows you a secret fishing spot, never return there alone without asking your friend’s permission. And never show the spot to someone else.

• Don’t compete with other anglers on the number of trout caught. For some of us, success is fooling the fish into striking, even if the trout isn’t landed. For others, success is in making a good cast. For others, success is just a day of solitude, making memories on a stream.

• Respect private property. Don’t cross it without permission, even to get to ‘public’ property on the other side.

• Use the heaviest tippet you can to fool the trout. Play the trout quickly without exhausting it.

• If possible, release trout without handling them. Barbless hooks will make this easier.

• Limit your kill; don’t kill your limit.

• Pick up trash, even if it is not yours. When you clip off a piece of line, put it in your pocket and take it out.

• Be active in conservation. Help to conserve, protect and restore the fisheries and their watersheds. Volunteering is a great way to GIVE SOMETHING BACK to the resource that brings you so much pleasure.

• Pass it on; take a kid fishing. Today’s kids will be the watershed protectors of tomorrow.

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"Specific rules in angling etiquette are few, and common courtesy is the basis. It is poor form to enter a stream not far above another if they are fishing in that direction. The skillful angler does not disturb the water much, but the beginner is likely to frighten the fish and put them down for some time. One should realize their own capabilities, and enter the stream at a discreet distance above or below another angler. The first one in the river has the right of way, and we must not disturb their fun." --Ernest G. Schwiebert, Jr.

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The text of this article was taken from the August, 2005 edition of TIGHT LINES, the Newsletter of the Rabun Chapter of TU, slightly edited and used with permission.