Angler Etiquette & Fishing Species

Bank Anglers

• Use developed trails, stairs into the river, or boardwalks designed for fishing.
• Respect posted bank fishing closure areas and do not fish or trespass in these areas.
• Move away from the water’s edge when walking up or downstream.
• Stand in the water while fishing and use hip or chest waders to avoid standing on the bank.
• Avoid steep banks, trampling and damaging vegetation, and water-saturated soils when bank fishing.
• Help educate others about ways to protect fish habitat.

Boat Anglers

• Always launch and retrieve boats at a developed launch site.
• Select either an exposed or protected site when beaching your boat to avoid crushing bank vegetation.
• Minimize damage from boat wakes whenever possible by lowering speeds, transporting fewer passengers, and traveling in mid-channel.

Angler Courtesies

• Respect other anglers. Avoid crowding out other anglers who may have arrived before you did, if necessary wait for your turn to fish.
• Boaters fishing in crowded conditions should follow the established pattern of other boaters already fishing: if they are all drifting, you should drift too, if they are back trolling, don’t try to drift in that area, etc. Never attempt to anchor your boat in a traffic channel or primary fishing channel.
• Know the status of the lands you plan to fish. If private property, only fish there if you have the owner’s permission to use the property.
• Use latrines or other restrooms whenever provided. Never trespass on private property for restroom breaks!
• Be patient with others on crowded days. Remember that everyone is out on the river to have a good time.