The subject of river etiquette is a touchy one. While one angler might think an action is all right, another angler could be extremely offended. The following will demonstrate some common points in the world of fishing and etiquette, dealing with both bank anglers and boaters.
First and foremost, on a busy river, it is a common occurrence for the launch ramp area to become congested. When there are multiple boats attempting to launch at the same time, be courteous, and do everything in a timely fashion. Don't sit at the ramp, tying flies on, or having long conversations with other anglers. Do your best to get into the rotation, and launch the boat efficiently. Once the boat is in the water, pull it out of the way if you can, so others can launch. If space is tight, then leave the launch area, as not to obstruct others trying to launch. Doing all this in a timely, efficient manner will make things run smoothly in the morning, setting the mood for the day.
Once on the water, you'll come across many different scenarios. For example, when an angler is fishing a small piece of water, you should try to find another place to fish, or patiently wait your turn. If there is good water near-by then fish that for awhile, giving ample room to the other angler. In no way should the other angler go out of his way while fishing because of you. He has certain unspoken 'rights' to that water, since he was there first. This is a general rule that should be followed all of the time. Sometimes I'll ask an angler if I can jump in behind him, or if he minds if I fish a certain area. I do this when I think there's a chance that the angler might be offended if I fished near him.
When I'm floating in a boat and see an angler fishing down river, I'll carefully watch him for a while. The first thing I look for is the water he's fishing, and water he might soon fish. My general rule is that I estimate the casting distance of which he is fishing, double that, and that's my 'boundary'. If I see him making a 40-ft. cast, then I'll row past him at 80-ft. or more. That way, I won't spook the water he's fishing. The way I look at it, he only has the water in his general area to fish, while I might cover miles in a boat, so I give him the right of way with the water around him.
Another instance that occurs quite often is two boats wanting to fish the same water at the same time. If one boat is anchored in an area that I want to fish, I'll wait until he leaves and then drop in to fish. Dropping in right next to or directly below another boat is totally unacceptable. To "Low Hole" another boat shows no respect and often leads to hostility.
If I am guiding and another guide boat is approaching a run at the same time as me, I'll try to talk to the other boat to find out their intentions. He might like the left side of a particular piece of water, and I might like the right side. A situation like this is ideal, as both boats can share the water, and there are no feet being stepped on. If it's a guide I know, then I'll ask how they're doing, and if they're having a tough day, and if we're not, then I'll let them have first crack at it.
If I'm drifting near another boat that is fishing off the anchor, I apply some of the same rules as with bank anglers. I'll estimate the length of an average cast, then double that, and that's the minimum distance at which I'll pass the other boat. If my anglers are fishing, I'll explain to them the proper etiquette, and have them reel up, or drift short, not intruding on the other anglers' water.
*For the most part, the enjoyment of fly-fishing isn't so much catching fish, it's the experience of being in the water, enjoying the beauty and peacefulness of the river, trying to trick Mother Nature. The one thing that can ruin all of that is an ignorant angler, invading upon the area and disrupting the peacefulness of the moment that the other angler is experiencing. If we all follow these general rules, and treat others as we'd like to be treated, then our fishing days will all be great, regardless of how many we catch.
