Fly Fishing Etiquette

Etiquette The North Fork Stillaguamish Steelhead Society welcomes you to the North Fork Stillaguamish, and wants to make your fishing experience here an enjoyable one. The intention of this pamphlet is to familiarize you with the usual fishing practices and etiquette on the North Fork Stillaguamish. These are not laws; they are guidelines, which are adhered to by most of the people who enjoy the river. When you are fishing, there will be occasions when you will be sharing a portion of the river with others. Following this Steelhead/Salmon fishing etiquette,from both established traditions and new practices, will contribute towards a positive fishing experience. The North Fork Stillaguamish Steelhead Society wishes you fishing success for the beautiful Steelhead and salmonids and encourages you to become familiar with North Fork Stillaguamish River Fishing Etiquette. Pool Rotation: Pool rotation can be summed up very simply: -Take your turn, and cast and move. -Should you arrive at a pool, and other anglers are there ahead of you, it will be expected that that you wait your turn before entering the pool. A waiting area is usually obvious where waiting anglers gather until it is their turn. -When it becomes your turn, you will start at the upstream end of the group of anglers, and follow the group through the pool. -While moving through the pool, it is the usual practice to take 2 casts and then take a step downstream. Be careful not to move too far out into the pool near the fish. This may cause the fish to move away or cause them to be less likely to take a fly. Fly Presentation: -A dry fly may be cast up or downstream depending on your preference of presentation. -Wet flies are cast downstream and across the current, usually on a 45 degree angle. Casting wet flies upstream increase the risk of foul hooking fish and causing unnecessary damage to the fish. Use of sinking tip lines, sinking lines and leaders: There is growing concern over the number of fish that are foul hooked through the use of this type of equipment. When used in combination with a heavy fly, the risk of foul hooking a fish is increased. This type of equipment is normally used in high, cold water, however some anglers use them in any water conditions. It is not necessary to use this type of gear during periods of low water and we recommend that it not be used during these condition. Recommended use of Sink Tip and sinking lines and Leaders: -Use during moderate to high water conditions. -Be prepared with a choice of sink rate lines (some manufacturers offer six different) and adjust according to conditions. North Fork Stillaguamish Steelhead Society, P.O. Box 464,Arlington,Washington, 98223 E-mail: wakingflies@Stillaguamishsteelhead.com Website: WWW.Stillaguamishsteelhead.com