BY KAREN BOSSICK

Road congestion due to highway construction and increased traffic on the Wood River bike path have topped the conversation this summer.

But local fishermen have noted an increase in people out fishing the local waters this summer, as well.

And, just as with irate motorists threading their way through orange traffic cones and bicyclists cruising the bike path on illegal electric motorcycles, not all fishermen seem to know the rules of the road.

The Angling Etiquette card is available at local fishing shops.

“Some of the Silver Creek Outfitters guides have complained about people fishing too close to them, cutting them off. I’ve had that happen to me a couple of times,” said Bob Knoebel, a longtime fishing guide in the Sun Valley area.

In response, local fishermen have banded together to create a courtesy card for anglers.

Silver Creek Outfitters owner Terry Ring helped come up with a lot of the wording. Jill Clark and Morgan Aguilar from 5B Anglers had imput, as did Jean Marie Bousquet and Amanda Bauman from Project Big Wood. Others chipping in were Silver Creek Preserve Manager Dirk Anderson and Bob Knoebel, representing the Hemingway Chapter Trout Unlimited.

David Elias provided Spanish translation, while Bosquet designed the graphic layout.

Jill Clark, Terry Ring and Bob Knoebel are among those hoping the courtesy cards will remind fishermen to be courteous to one another.

“It’s an educational tool devised to help all of us who fish get along with each other when we're pursuing our passion,” said Knoebel. “Fundamentally, we believe that courtesy fosters goodwill. Further, we believe that communication is key when encountering other anglers. A greeting and a brief conversation help clarify intentions, allowing us to avoid conflict.”

The anglers printed 700 cards, distributing them to the local fly shops in hopes that visiting anglers will snag a card and stash it in their waders. They hope to post the etiquette suggestions at river access points, as well.

The cards offer these suggestions:

If there’s three cars in a lot, it’s time to find a new access.

Respect private property and stay on the access trails and below the mean high water mark.

Check in with anglers already present. If they’re fishing upriver, take the downriver route. First come; first served.

Give anglers elbow room and aim for two to three runs apart. Wade thoughtfully; careless wading disturbs the water and fish.

Spend five seconds or less on taking a photo with the fish; release the fish with care.

Be courteous to other recreationalists while out enjoying the day.

So far, they’ve had nothing but positive feedback, Knoebel said.

"I love how our local nonprofits were able to come together and agree on a set of common ideas and language to support fishing etiquette in our valley,” said Jill Clark of 5B Anglers. “I think it will lead to some very positive interactions among people using our waterways and make time on the water more enjoyable for everyone." 

Morgan Aguilar, also of 5B Anglers, agreed: "As an angler and educator, I truly appreciate the collaborative effort behind these etiquette cards. They offer clear, easy-to-understand guidance. And the Spanish version helps make our waters more welcoming and inclusive for everyone."

Jean Marie Bousquet, brand and community outreach director for Project big Wood, said the cards are not a list of rules but, rather, simple reminders: Respect the river, respect each other. Whether you're a local or just passing through, the way we show up shapes the experience for everyone on the water."