River Manners: A Guide to Fishing the South Fork of the Boise

By Greg Montemurro

Given the number of emails we’ve received throughout the month and personal experiences we’ve had recently, it seems it’s time to have another sit-down about everyone’s favorite subject – etiquette. Most resources you’ll find on the topic are suggestive generalizations packed neatly into a one-size-fits-all box. Not today. We’re going to dig a little deeper and touch on the specifics – especially on the South Fork of the Boise.

If you’ve read our Owyhee River Fishing Etiquette Manifesto, you’ll know we have no problem calling it like it is. All the same, we’re not here to point fingers or assign blame to a specific group or individual; we’re just addressing a few recurring problems and offering suggestions on how not to leave the river without a bruised ego or hurt feelings. Let’s get started...but first I’m going to take off my “the customer is always right” hat and revert to my drill instructor cover.

The Facts

It’s no surprise there are more and more people fishing the river. Our population seems to be increasing by the day and people are looking for a temporary release from crummy jobs, hectic family life, bills, recession babble, Nancy Pelosi, [fill in the blank]...and so on.  Why not fish?

Let’s be honest. At the current time, there are two resources available to consistently catch (or at least have the opportunity to catch) big fish – The Owyhee River and the South Fork of the Boise. The options are a bit limited, but fortunately the fish numbers and opportunities are not.

The Problem

Put simply, it’s etiquette – specifically very poor etiquette. This is where it begins to get dicey. To understand the issue, we need to get to the core and address “why” poor etiquette is such a problem. Generally there are two sources:

• Ignorance
• Apathy

It’s really that simple. Ignorance is due to a lack of experience and time spent on the water. With that said, here’s the disclaimer: The term “ignorance” does not mean idiot, nincompoop, dim-wit, or any other derogatory slang. It simply refers to the lack of knowledge all beginners face. It’s just the way it is. Fortunately, it’s part of the learning curve AND is completely understandable AND correctable.

At some point everyone transcends newbie-ism so please don’t take the term ignorance out of context and apply it as being derogatory. It’s best left at face value.

I don’t have the numbers, but I would venture to guess better than 80% of all etiquette problems fall within the “ignorance” category.

Apathy on the other hand is the real problem, and fortunately represents a slim minority of offenders. Those falling within the apathetic group aren’t terribly difficult to recognize. These are the people who know better but could care less. On the hierarchy of priorities, self-satisfaction, self-interest, self-absorption (lots of “selves”) tend to outrank courtesy, respect, and conscience. It’s a sad fact to admit, but every activity has an ass-head demographic. Fly fishing is no exception. Typically, these are the people who give you the “you don’t own the river” type response once manners are addressed and brought into question.

So What Now?

We’ve identified the real problem (apathy). There’s no mystery in why it happens. Some people just don’t care to live within the constraints of, well, self-constraint. It can all pretty much be boiled down to one argument – Can vs. Should.

There are a lot of perfectly legal things I “can” do. However, the matter of “should” should be the controlling factor. Let me paint a more vivid picture for you with a few examples.

a)  I can discuss certain parts of my wife’s anatomy with my mother-in-law and congratulate her on her favorable genetics...but should I?

b)  I can chat on my cell phone while the guy at the deli counter tries to take my sandwich order...but should I?

c)  I can bump the bass on my Tom Jones Greatest Hits CD at the stop light so everyone can hear “What’s New Pussycat!”...but should I?

I’ll leave it there.

The Solution

Before you become hell-bent on “enjoying” your day, think about the choices you’re about to make and ask yourself, “Are my actions going to completely screw up someone else’s day?”

That’s all you really have to do. Even if the answer is a modest maybe, rethink the situation and put yourself in the other person’s position. Now queue up the question again. I’ll just about guarantee you’ll rephrase it to sound something like, “Is this guy really going to screw up my day?”

For your reading pleasure I’m going to give you a few “real” examples we’ve experienced in recent days. Read each one and then go back and read them again. What would you do? How would you react?

I’m using myself as a reference, but feel free to insert yourself into any of these scenarios. You may gain better perspective.

Example: Floating the South Fork of the Boise at 300 CFS is NOT the best idea – especially with dogs running alongside the boat busting fish off the banks.

Reasoning: The river’s low, it’s gin clear, the fish are concentrated, and are extremely spooky. Clinkety-clanking downstream has about the same effect as tossing river rocks into a pod of rising fish. It puts them down. As a boater, you may not be able to see it from your perspective, but since I can hear you coming from about a mile upstream you’ll just have to take my word for it. Likewise, at 300 CFS, there isn’t a whole lot of water you can’t get to on foot. Wade anglers (and we’re the majority this time of year) are adversely affected by passing boats – whether the captain realizes it or not.

Example: If you’re walking downstream along the bank and you happen upon me casting a line tight inside to the bank, assume I’m not just practicing.

Reasoning: More times than not, especially in lower water, you’ll find rising fish (literally) inches off the bank. Always consider a casting angler to be a “live fire” exercise. Sure, some people like to practice, but if you see me casting, it’s generally for good reason – I have fish looking up. Be courteous, give plenty of space and most importantly, DO NOT walk down on top of me – especially right along the bank.

Example: If you’re strolling along the river bank and you spot a few of us on the other side crouched down looking intently into the water, it’s probably not a good idea to cross the river within casting distance.

Reasoning: People scout banks for a reason. A lot of fish hold there. If you see someone scouting a bank assume they plan on fishing it in the very near future. If you decide to cross the river in that particular spot, you’ll blow the whole thing.

Example: If you’re driving along the road and you see me gearing up on my tailgate. It’s not a good idea to pull over 50 feet above me and mimic my actions.

Reasoning: I plan to fish there – nuff said.

Example:If you come around a corner and find me in a particular run, concede the spot is taken and do one of two things:

• Go back downstream
• Get out of the river, sweep out a bit from the bank, and get back into the river about 50 yards above me.

It’s not ok to walk up on my low side within casting distance, wait, and assume I’m going to leave any time soon. The best policy here is to just ask where I’m headed. If you ask me I’ll let you know. Depending on the situation, I may even move along and let you have the water.

Reasoning: Would you appreciate it if I walked into the bathroom while doing your business and proceeded to wait? Of course not. Just like quality #2 time, there’s a certain amount of privacy and personal space that should be respected while fishing.

I understand you want to fish where I’m at, but you’ll just have to wait your turn. Imagine a door about 25 to 50 yards below me. I’d appreciate it if you’d wait on the other side until I’m finished. Just because I have fish working the surface in a particular spot on the river doesn’t mean I have them “corralled”. There are miles and miles of outstanding dry fly water on the South Fork. Find a piece I’m not already occupying.

Example: If you’re driving along the road and you happen to recognize me, feel free to stop and say hello and share a beer. However, don’t assume automatically I want to share my spot – not unless of course we’ve shared many beers one time or another, you’ve passed out on my couch, and/or I have Polaroids of you with a Sharpie mustache. If that’s the case, you get a pass.

On the same token, if you feel compelled, go ahead and ask if we’d mind sharing the run. I can’t guarantee a definite yes or no answer but I’d certainly appreciate the courtesy. If we do feel like sharing some water, understand first and foremost WE ARE NOT GUIDES and we’re not there to provide lessons or critique skills. The “meter” is off.

Reasoning: Even though we may be affiliated with the Trout Lie, and are part of a fairly public operation, we’re still on the river to enjoy the same peace and quiet anyone else would expect.

Example: Pack out your trash. Likewise, if you’re walking out of an area and you see trash someone else left behind (and have room for it) pack it out with you.

Reasoning: Self explanatory and it’s good fish Karma.

Ultimately, etiquette is everyone’s responsibility.  I’m sure there’s more to cover, but I’m going to put a fork in this before it gets too out of control.

I’m not asking that everyone agree with me word for word or topic for topic – I’d be an idiot to assume everyone shares my point of view. However, there is a difference between right and wrong. If it’s necessary to achieve your enjoyment at another’s expense, it’s wrong. Wrong will never be right no matter how much sugar you pour on top of it.

Keep these things in mind next time you’re on the water. Consider others, internalize the golden rule, let common sense prevail, and respect the resource. Follow these guidelines and everything else will fall into place.

You can share this article with someone you know…but should you? Absolutely! Feel free to add on to the list above and forward along to someone who needs to read it.