Upholding a Proud Heritage: On the Water Etiquette

 For the largest majority of people, a day on the water provides high quality, positive and rewarding experiences. And for the most part, water recreationists are respectful of Montana’s natural environments and other water users. However, it stands to reason that with approximately 390,000 fishing licenses sold annually, with more than 80,000 registered motorboats, personal watercraft and sailboats, and thousands of other unregistered watercraft, canoes, rafts, kayaks and thousands of other waterway users that there are sometimes conflicts that result in a less than satisfactory experience.  As water recreation grows in popularity it can be expected that the number of conflicts will also increase.  Ethical, responsible and conscientious sportspersons can help lead the way to improving waterway etiquette.

 On occasion, water availability, low instream flows and less than full pool lakes and reservoirs may compound conflicts and competition; 80 percent of Montana’s surface water originates as snowpack and below-average snow may translate into some stream or river closures, access site closures and crowding conflicts.  At other times the issue of limited access or the popularity of a river or lake for anglers, floaters, waterskiers or boaters results in site specific overcrowding confrontations. 

 The circumstances that most frequently trigger conflicts are rooted in the lack of education, the lack of respect for other water users, the environments and wildlife and a lack of etiquette. 

 States and provinces all have laws that regulate boating, fishing, impacts to wildlife and other water recreation for reasons of safety and to protect public resources and private property.  Some states have found it troubling that they are being forced to consider more and more legislative measures to address irresponsible, disrespectful and unethical actions.  It is unfortunate that etiquette conflicts between water recreation users frequently result in issues raised with policy makers, managing agencies and consequently more laws.  The best way to ensure water recreation opportunities and safety is for each user to adhere to a code of conduct and honorable behavior beyond the scope of law which includes courteous and responsible actions.

 As we head out on to the waters of Montana this summer, MWF would like to encourage and ask members and readers to help promote some sensible, basic rules of conduct, unwritten laws of courtesy that can eliminate many conflicts. The following are not all inclusive but a few thoughtful, helpful suggestions to keep in mind; they can improve our water recreation experiences and reduce conflicts.  

Powerboats and Personal Watercraft

 Powerboat owners should have a good understanding of navigational rules and always be especially considerate of anglers, canoes, rafts, sailboats and non-motorized watercraft; give them a wide birth. Be considerate of your wake; a powerboat can capsize canoes, and small craft; this is especially important on rivers where room is limited…slow down when approaching any boat or angler.  In the case of sailboats under sail, they have the right-of-way. Give other boating anglers room, its bad etiquette to cross closely to a trolling angler or follow close enough astern to be in close proximity to trolling bait – this goes for jet ski operators too. Shore anglers also deserve room since their lines extend into the river or lake.  In general, it is bad etiquette to disturb the waters of an angler and it is bad etiquette to pass too closely to another boat. When meeting an on-coming boat the navigational rule is to try and pass on the right.  Remember to do your part in protecting Montana waters from invasive aquatic nuisance species, inspect, clean and dry your boat or jet ski and trailer thoroughly when done boating to prevent the transfer of aquatic nuisance species to other waters. The translocation of aquatic nuisance species is illegal and could result in a noncompliance citation.

 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks offer’s three excellent, free opportunities to become an educated and responsible boater familiar with boating basics, rules of common courtesy, and state laws.

“The Handbook of Montana Boating Laws and Responsibilities” is available at FWP offices and on the internet at http://www.boat-ed.com/mt/mt_internet.htm

An official boating safety course is offered free online by visiting the Montana safe boating course at http://www.boat-ed.com/mt/mt_laws.htm.

FWP also offers a web page for quick review of boating regulations at: www.fwp.mt.gov/recreation/regulations/boating/ 

River Etiquette

 Some of the more common river etiquette considerations that can also be applied to all water recreation can be found in the written words (abbreviated) of Montana natural resource attorney, Stan Bradshaw from “River Safety: A Floater’s Guide”, Greycliff Publishing Co. (2000).  

1. Remember, you’re not the only person on the river, and it’s not your private playpen. Don’t crowd other boats or anglers. This should be a cardinal rule, and violation of it should result in swift and brutal punishment – a lifetime sentence to porta-potty duty…

2. If you’re in a boat and you see an angler wading, give her some space. This requires looking ahead to anticipate the angler. If there isn’t space to give, try to go behind her so you don’t screw up the fishing.  And if you can’t pass without going over the water she’s fishing (a pretty common problem on rivers like the Smith), apologize and try to get through as quickly as you can.  (When rafting, if you come to a raft with an angler, give them room and move to the other side of the river).

3. Don’t hog the launch area. There’s nothing more irritating than having to sit and cool your heels while the people ahead of you unpack their gear. Unload your stuff away from the launch area so others can get on the river while you’re getting ready.

4. If you get to the put-in and it’s full-to-overflowing, go somewhere else. Some put-ins, especially on places like the Blackfoot River, have specific vehicle limits. Respect the vehicle limits.

5. If you bring your dog along, keep it under control (this applies to ALL water recreation sites). If you can’t control it, don’t bring it. It’s not amusing to have a strange dog come lumbering into your lunch spot, snuffling in your food packs and pooping in the picnic area.  (A dog playfully jumping into a fishing hole being worked by a fly fisher could result in harsh words)

6. Try to keep the decibel level down to something less than a dull roar. Most floaters aren’t there just for the unbridled pleasure of listening to your favorite boom-box tunes…

7. Respect the rights of adjoining landowners. In Montana, while we enjoy what amounts to a public easement to float through private lands, that right usually ends at the ordinary high-water mark. (Do not trespass on private property)

8. Avoid behavior that damages the natural resources on the river. Don’t litter. Don’t drag you anchor. Don’t take your axe to the trees…or otherwise trash the streamside…  Leave any rocks or historic artifacts where you find them. Don’t harass animals and don’t feed them.

9. If you’re playing at a rapid or at some other spot on the river, pay attention to boats coming through and yield to the through traffic.

10. Know the regulations and obey them. 

11. If you’re camping, try to use established campsites…practice no-trace camping. Don’t alter a spot to create a campsite.

12. Dispose of wastes properly. If you wash dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams and lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Pack out anything you have packed in.

 Other helpful rules can be found on the ‘Respect Your Rivers’ web site, a FWP Region 3, Citizen Advisory Committee effort to build awareness about river etiquette at: www.respectyourrivers.org

Basic, Logical Angling Etiquette

 First and foremost, respect fish, wildlife and all natural environments. Treat your catch with dignity and care for it responsibly. If you plan on releasing the fish, bring it in as smoothly and quickly as you can so that it is not overly fatigued or unnecessarily stressed before release. If keeping your catch, be responsible and care for the animal in a respectful manner. 

 Discarding fishing line and/or hooks in the field displays a disrespect for our precious resources. Monofilament fishing line can last up to 600 years in the environment, entangle or be consumed by migratory birds and fish, and be hazardous to people swimming, diving, walking the shoreline, to boat motors and a source of irritation for anglers. Improperly disposed of line can be the difference between good and poor relations with private landowners that allow public access to our waterways or that work with agencies to establish fishing access sites.

  Encroaching on another angler’s space whether spin casting, fly fishing, or boat fishing is the most frequently recognized bad etiquette.  Walking in stream around a casting fly fisherman so that you can get into the hole just upstream is a big no-no!  Walking around an angler along the bank too closely may put down or spook fish and ruin the anglers day…it is inconsiderate!   The general rule is that if an angler is working a stretch of water - don’t “horn-in” - there is plenty of water, move on, give them room and find another spot.   If you experience a ‘horn in’ – don’t be pushed into “rod rage” or a ‘rod whipping’ or ‘dueling rods’ – these are poor etiquette responses to poor etiquette. 

 Most water recreation confrontations afield can be avoided by sticking to the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. 

 Adhering to and promoting ethical, fair chase fishing is the cardinal rule for all sportspersons and by practicing and promoting good etiquette we can honorably uphold a proud heritage.