We often fish to relax, find peace, and chill. Fishing is therapy. There are times when we fish for solitude not as a team sport.
Too Close varies depending upon the type of fishing we are doing. Certain fish spawning and migratory cycles may mean that massive schools of fish are at a certain place at a certain time. They stack up and are available to harvest for a short time. Limits determine the harvest size and numbers, but everyone is drawn to these locations to share in the bounty.
The White and Hickory Shad runs are popular along the east coast. It was salted barrels of shad that may have saved the Revolutionary soldiers at Valley Forge. Shad were a favorite of George Washington. His wife had wagonloads of shad, caught in the James River, salted and shipped to his famished troops.
Salmon and Steelhead runs also draw a crowd. Commercial anglers in boats having combat fishing to get their” fair shares”. Shore anglers get what’s left over. Just look at the Kenai River fishing battlefield. If the groups of anglers are polite and respectful. Everyone will benefit. This can be a time to celebrate the sport and harvest. Some anglers insist on Catch and Release of fish that will eventually die after the spawning run, instead of using this natural resource for food.
In Montana, Paddlefish migrate upstream to spawn. Hundreds of angler’s fish shoulder to shoulder, to snag these filter feeding fish. Their eggs are like other types of caviar, and the tasty meat is also enjoyed by many. Other species tend to spawn at certain times and attract schools of anglers.
Insect hatches also attract anglers and create crowded conditions. The Salmon Fly stone fly hatch is world famous for fly anglers. These big bugs bring big crowds. Other hatches like PMD’s and even terrestrials, like hoppers and beetles can attract large groups of anglers.
Opening days also bring hordes of anglers to the fishing holes. Where fish are stocked means, everyone wants the first cast at these fish full ponds and waters.
Generally, most anglers are friendly and nice. They share netting, flies, tips, and tricks. Giving others the respect that you want is best. Greedy and snobby anglers are never happy. One angler in sight is too many. They would prefer private- pay fisheries over public open waters.
If a spot is crowded on one day, try another. Weekdays can be better than weekends. Once the opening day bell has rung, the attraction is gone and the banks quickly empty. Be patient and you will be rewarded.
Montana, and many American waters, are public and open to all. This is a special gift. In Europe, most waters require a fee or permission to fish. Fishing has become a sport just for kings and queens. That’s just not fair on everyone else.
Too close is a problem if you can touch your neighbor’s hat with your rod. You don’t need to be fishing in their back pocket. Any closer will require an invitation. If you are polite and patient, a spot will open, and you will get your turn. Respect other’s spaces and usually it will be reciprocal.
The Madison River and Bighorn River in Montana have become way too crowded. Catch and Released fish suffer. Even with the best Catch and Release gear and techniques, 10% of all trout will die. When hundreds of trout are being caught by hundreds of anglers a day, the mortality quickly adds up in waters that require natural spawning to maintain the fishery.
Guided drift boats and rafts line up along the river to pound the fishery. If you can cast into a neighboring boat, you are too close and there are too many anglers. On a recent trip near the Sun Ranch, along the Madison, I counted 32 drift boats up and down the river from one spot. Many were just 50 yards apart and closer.
Guides have an important responsibility. They need to teach anglers how to fish without destroying their fishery. As Stewards of the resources, they need to help manage the fishery without destroying it. Catch Limits may in their future.
How many fish caught are enough? How close to others do you need to be to fish? How many selfies and hook ups do you need? Why is your fishing experience and space more important than others?
Be a Good Sport!
Montana Grant
