River Etiquette

I actually started writing this on Friday as I wrapped up my guide season, which ran from May through mid-August. After months on the water with clients, I had plenty of time to think about the unspoken code that keeps fly fishing enjoyable: etiquette. Then, yesterday—Labor Day on the Weber River near Echo—those thoughts were reconfirmed in the worst way. A Season of Teaching Etiquette In every class I teach and every day I spend guiding, etiquette is part of the lesson plan. I don’t just talk about it—I practice it. When the opportunity arises, I make a point of showing clients how those river conversations can and should happen. A polite wave, a quick chat about which direction you’re working, a little give and take. More often than not, the response is understanding, polite, and even collaborative. But isn’t it funny? We rarely remember the smooth, positive encounters. It’s the bad ones—the moments when courtesy breaks down—that stick with us. The Encounter That Said It All My son Cole and I were out with a couple of friends, enjoying some time together before fall fully sets in. We arrived first, getting our gear set up, hadn't even started working the river. Not long after, another group pulled up next to us, instead of a friendly conversation, they acted put out when I asked what their plan was so I could adjust mine for my group. This is exactly the kind of thing I’ve been noticing all summer. And frankly, it’s not okay. Respecting Space Isn’t Optional On rivers like the Weber, it’s simple: if someone’s already there, you give them room. Cutting in above or below doesn’t just ruin the fishing, it ruins the experience. Talk Before You Cast It’s astonishing how far a quick word can go. Asking, “Do you mind if we fish this side channel?” isn’t weakness—it’s courtesy. And most anglers will gladly find a rhythm if you just acknowledge them. Think Beyond Yourself Your choices ripple. Where you wade, how you cast, and how you interact with others all impact the people around you. Etiquette isn’t about rules, it’s about awareness. Why It Matters When newcomers to fly fishing encounter bad etiquette, they leave discouraged. When kids like my son Cole witness it, they learn the wrong lesson. And when seasoned anglers shrug it off, the community we all rely on suffers. Closing Thought I’ve guided anglers from Utah and beyond this season, and most show up with respect and curiosity. But it only takes a few to sour the water. So here’s the reminder: etiquette isn’t old-fashioned—it’s the backbone of fly fishing. Let’s not let it slip away. At Fishwest, we’re committed to building a community that respects each other as much as we respect the fish. The river is big enough for all of us—if we choose to share it the right way.