A cool day on a trout stream is a great thing. After mowing the lawn, I decided to fish close to home. The Gallatin River seemed like the perfect choice. I drove a few miles up the canyon, toward Big Sky, and pulled off near a favorite huge pool.
A few rainbows were in the net when a group of non-resident fly guys waddled down the bank. They were decked out in waders, and everything Simms. Their gear may be great during a cool spring but not for a hot summer afternoon. All three fly fishermen had seen me catch some fish and flanked me.
When I mentioned how close they were to me, the leader said,” we only get to fish this pool today, you can fish it any time!” What a stupid statement. Since they slapped the water with their poor casting and stumbled into the river like Buffalo, the fish were gone. I moved to the head of the pool.
After nymphing 2 more rainbows, I looked up to see a flotilla of rafts passing by. Oars were slapping, folks were taking my picture, and everyone said hello as they ruined my fishing. There must have been 35 rafts.
After letting the pool rest, I went to the end of the long pool and saw a few trout rising at the tail out. As I netted a nice rainbow, a huge splash startled me. A woman had brought her Black Lab for a swim. Of course, the swim was going to happen right where I was fishing. She then lectured me how cruel it was to catch fish.” They must be in so much pain when you stab them with a hook!” That was strike Three!
The outdoors belongs to us all. We all want to Respect the planet but disrespect each other. Why is it that the sport they are doing takes precedent over what others are doing? Much of the public parks and outdoor recreation places are thanks to generations of hunters and fishermen. Most other recreational groups buy no license, pay no fee, or contribute to the resources.
Like it or not, courtesy and respect are important! No one’s sport or time is any more, or less important than anyone else. The planet belongs to us all. The Gallatin River can support many sportsmen. Simply respect and be courteous to one another.
Oh, the dog took a crap that the woman did not clean up, the fishermen left a Granola Bar wrapper and a plastic bottle, and the rafters lost a shirt and a flip flop shoe.
Oh, and thank a hunter or fishermen for the wonderful public resource you are using for free!
Montana Grant
For more Montana Grant, find him respecting the outdoors at www.montanagrantfishing.com.
