We will be courteous and treat all anglers as we wish to be treated. We are ambassadors to the sport and we aim to lead by example.

Communication is the key. When approaching anglers of fellow guides on the stream, we will ask which way they are working – upstream or downstream? Avoid cutting them off by casting or wading directly where they intend to fish.

We will honor each other’s space. We will not fish the same water that other anglers or guides are fishing, unless invited by them. We will also not monopolize a certain stretch of water and prevent others from fishing it day in and day out.

We realize that guiding on public water is a privilege—not a right, and we will not trespass on guided wade or float trips. We will not anchor on private water and will encourage our clients to respect private property. We will not float through private sections of water when flows are so low that it is impossible to avoid trespassing by repeatedly getting stuck on private streambeds.

We will only guide in areas that we are legally permitted to guide while working for outfitters with the requisite permits for those areas.

We will never block access to a boat ramp with a truck or trailer, and will move launched boats to the side of the ramp to facilitate other users.

When floating past another boat or wade angler, whenever possible and applicable, we will give them space and/or ask how to pass to cause the least disturbance to their water. We will not do laps in the immediate vicinity of other anglers already fishing a certain spot unless invited to do so. We will not hurry to pull out ahead of an approaching boat just to slow down ahead of them, and will try to maintain reasonable distances between boats.

Know the rules and regulations. We will be the stream keepers of our local waters. If you witness illegal fishing practices or poaching it is your duty to approach the individuals in a non-confrontation manner (taking a cell phone picture is great evidence) and offer clarification of the regulations. If they’re non-compliant, call local authorities immediately.

We will be proponents of catch & release fishing for wild trout with barbless, scentless flies. We will voluntarily refrain from fishing for trout that are in the act of spawning, and will voluntarily adjust our fishing at times when river systems and fish are in extreme stress from warm temperatures—and upon the agreement of our peers in the alliance--will temporarily refrain from fishing altogether if conditions are extreme.

We will take only pictures and leave only footprints. We are the stewards of the resources and advocate leave-no trace practices. It is our duty to pick up trash and other materials that don’t belong.

When appropriate, we will offer assistance to other anglers… such as techniques, etiquette, and respect for the outdoors. Children, especially, are the future of our sport.

Continuous bad etiquette is justification to be removed from the Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance.