New Angler Etiquette Videos and Brochure Available

It's no secret that Idaho's rivers are popular fishing destinations. Great fishing can also draw a crowd, sometimes causing conflicts between anglers. A new educational video - Angler Etiquette: Fishing with the Crowd - is now available on Idaho Fish and Game's website http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/fishing/etiquette. Created by Fish and Game with help from salmon and steelhead anglers, the video covers commonly held practices in the fishing community when it comes to fishing around others and how to avoid potential conflicts. The intent is to increase basic awareness and to provide advice for anglers to ensure their continued enjoyment of fishing Idaho's waters. Conflicts between anglers on some of Idaho's more popular rivers have resulted in some anglers asking Idaho Fish and Game to change the fishing rules. Some believe more rules would eliminate behaviors of those that are creating the conflict. However, Fish and Game would rather not create new rules that restrict how and where people fish just to address angler conflicts. "It's a slippery slope that could cascade into a myriad of rule changes that will only restrict fishing opportunities for other anglers," said Joe DuPont, Clearwater Fisheries Manager. "We prefer all anglers be more understanding of others and follow some basic guidelines - as opposed to creating more rules that ultimately restrict opportunities." The 17-minute video, as well as four shorter videos, each covers specific topics including: - Fishing with Others - commonly accepted practices for fishing around others. - Boat Wakes - a source of conflict, but an even greater safety concern. - At the Boat Ramp - tips on common courtesy at boat ramps. - Keep Idaho's Rivers Beautiful - choose to be an angler that keeps our rivers clean. A companion brochure is now available at Fish and Game offices. Besides covering three simple behaviors that anglers can follow to minimize conflicts, the brochure provides commonly accepted practices for both shore and boat anglers, and the importance of making the choice to help keep Idaho's rivers clean.