Here in Charlotte, we are having a rainy, cool day and the cold is permeating my bones, I do not feel inclined to go anywhere, so I have some thoughts about fishing courtesy as it relates to space afforded to other anglers. When we are approaching a stream about to start trout fishing here are some things to consider.
If another angler is already fishing on a stream, how much space does that angler need on a stream? That depends on the type of stream for example on a small freestone stream like those in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it needs to be a lot, perhaps as much as a mile. On a large river like the Yellowstone, perhaps as little as 100 or 200 feet would be adequate especially if the fishing pressure is heavy. Remember to respect the other angler’s rights and it would be better to move on than to abuse another angler.
All of us have savored the prospect of fishing our favorite pool as we complete a long drive or a worse yet a long hike, to that pool. We can imagine ourselves getting revenge on that lunker that shook our fly out and seemed to laugh at us during our last visit to that pool. We arrive only to find another angler already fishing that pool and our disappointment is major, but we must be gracious and continue to another spot. We do not make that angler uncomfortable be sitting and waiting for that angler to exit the pool.
Likewise in a similar situation, if you are the angler at the pool first, and some inconsiderate angler invades your space, do not get angry, just move on otherwise do not antagonize that angler since you might get punched out. Anyone who would invade your pool is someone not to be fooled with.