The Basics · Non-Negotiable
Quick Rules
- Keep fish in the water
- Land fish fast — long fights kill fish
- Wet hands before touching
- Barbless hooks
- No bank photos
- Revive fully before release
Handling · Keep It Brief
Handling
Keep fish submerged. Limit air exposure to a few seconds. Support the fish horizontally — never squeeze or hold vertically. The faster you get them back in, the better their odds.
Tackle · Set Up to Fight Fast
Gear
Use strong enough tackle to keep fights short. Fly patterns over bait. Rubber nets over knotted mesh. Go barbless — it’s required on some of our rivers anyway.
Hook Removal · Quick and Clean
Hook Removal
Remove hooks in the water with hemostats. If a fish is deeply hooked, cut the line. Digging for a deeply set hook causes more damage than leaving it.
The Standard · Do It Right
Respect
Fish quickly, handle carefully, release clean. These are wild fish in a wild place. Treat them accordingly.
Questions About Any Trip?
Paul responds personally to every inquiry.