At Sportquest, we get a lot of questions about fishing, and one that comes up repeatedly is fly fishing etiquette—especially when it comes to Spey casting. While this blog focuses on Spey casting, the same principles apply to single-handed rods too.
When you’re sharing water, which is the norm at most destinations—typically with two anglers per guide—following proper etiquette is key. Of course, if you’re fishing solo, you’re free to do as you please. Let’s dive into three essential etiquette rules that are widely practised across top fishing destinations worldwide.
Table of Contents
- Don’t step below anybody
- Keep moving
- If you hook a fish, you reel up and go back to the top of the run
Never Step in Below Another Angler
This is fly fishing’s golden rule. Fish almost always face upstream, and when swinging flies, anglers work their flies downstream towards the fish’s face. Stepping in below someone means cutting them off, putting yourself between them and the fish they’re targeting—essentially ruining their chances. Always enter a run from the top, positioning yourself above the last angler in line. Respect the flow, and everyone gets a fair shot.
Keep ON THE MOVE
Everyone fishes at their own rhythm, and that’s perfectly fine. But to keep things smooth, all anglers should move downstream at a steady, similar pace. This ensures proper spacing—one of the most important aspects of fly fishing etiquette.
Small differences? No problem. If I take four steps per cast and you take three, I’ll simply adjust and wait. Got a minor tangle? That’s fine, too — you should hold back while you fix it.
But if you’re struggling—missing cast after cast without moving—it’s an issue. Anglers behind you will get backed up, and space will quickly run out. When that happens, it’s time to take a few extra steps downstream, reset, and let others keep fishing without disruption.
HOOK A FISH? REEL UP AND RESET
This is one of the most agreed-upon etiquette rules—yet it’s also the most easily forgotten. If you hook a fish—whether you land it or not—you should reel up and head back to the top of the run, giving the water below you to the anglers behind.
Why? Because it’s fair play, and more often than not, it’s your fishing partner right behind you. Sharing the opportunity makes for a better trip when everyone gets a shot at fish. Generally, this rule applies to a solid hookup, not just a light tap or missed bite. Some anglers believe you should only step out if you land the fish, but opinions vary.
Contact us
If you would like see our full list of fly fishing destinations, you can do so here, if you have any other questions, feel free to give our fly fishing team a call on 01603 407596 or by emailing info@sportquestholidays.com and one of our experts can help you with any queries.
