Fishing on the Bitterroot River has changed considerably in the last few years, and it’s not for the better. Not only has the flood of boats become relentless, the day of the week no longer matters. It is just as busy on Wednesday, as it is on Saturday. But more significantly, the courtesy and ethics of these boats has declined faster than the snowpack in July. I do quite a bit of wade-fishing whenever the opportunity presents itself, and what I see happening is becoming infuriating.
Not only is it now commonplace for the drift boats to float right in front of you when they clearly have room to go behind, but these “Professional Guides” say nothing when their clients drop their line 5 feet in front of the tip of your rod, as you stand there with a stunned look on your face. It has become mind-boggling. I can only hope it is NOT the local guides acting this way (I have seen a dozen different state license plates on parked boat trailers.)
I don’t know what the requirements are to become a “licensed guide” here in Montana, but if an “Ethics” or “Courtesy” class is a requirement, a large number of these “gentlemen” called in sick that day. Not displaying, or even “hiding” your red tag number seems to be a spreading contagion among them as well. (Granted, some boats are private parties, but most are definitely “for hire.” I wonder if any organization polices, regulates, or censures this conduct.
I can only hope that the Montana FWP stands by its desire to put some sort of regulation on the Bitterroot this coming year. In my humble opinion, it has now become urgent, not just an “action item.”
Edward Gannon
Darby