Safety
Safety takes priority over fishing. Weather, water conditions, equipment, foreseeable hazards, and participant readiness are considered before and throughout every trip. Plans may be changed, delayed, canceled, or ended early when conditions do not support a safe day on the water.
Before Getting on the Water
Conditions are reviewed before departure, including weather, water conditions, expected hazards, and the equipment appropriate for the trip. Guests should arrive prepared for the forecast and the type of fishing planned and should ask questions whenever they are unsure about equipment, procedures, or conditions.
Personal Flotation Devices
Personal flotation devices are provided for guided boat and raft trips. Guests are expected to follow all instructions regarding their use. Requirements may vary with the vessel, water conditions, applicable regulations, and circumstances encountered during the trip.
Boat and Raft Safety
Use care when entering, exiting, and moving around a boat or raft. Guests should remain aware of changing footing, equipment, other anglers, and vessel movement and should follow guide instructions regarding where and when it is safe to stand or move.
Casting and Fishing Equipment
Fly rods, hooks, weighted flies, and moving fly line can create hazards for anglers and passengers. Maintain awareness of others before casting, communicate when necessary, and follow casting or positioning instructions when fishing from confined areas of a boat or raft.
Clothing and Footwear
Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and expected conditions, including layers when temperatures may change throughout the day. Footwear should provide secure footing and be appropriate for the vessel or shoreline being used. Studded wading boots should not be worn on the boats.
Participant Responsibilities
Guests should be capable of safely participating in the planned activity, follow guide instructions, use provided safety equipment as directed, and communicate concerns that could affect safe participation. Conditions on the water can require changes to the original plan, and guests are expected to cooperate when adjustments are necessary.
Emergency Preparedness
Appropriate first-aid and emergency equipment is carried during guided trips. Communication options vary by location, and cellular service may be limited or unavailable on some waters. Trip planning therefore considers the location, conditions, available communication methods, and access to assistance before departure.
Weather and Changing Conditions
Weather and water conditions can change rapidly. Fishing locations, departure times, routes, trip duration, or other details may be modified when conditions warrant it. A trip may also be delayed, rescheduled, canceled, or ended early when continuing would create an unnecessary safety risk.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and recreational drugs are not permitted during guided trips. Guests must remain capable of safely participating, using equipment responsibly, and following instructions throughout the trip.
Guide Authority
The guide may modify or stop a trip when safety conditions require it. Catching fish is never more important than making sound decisions and returning safely from the water.
Required for Participation
Liability Waiver
Guests must review and complete the applicable Shenandoah Fly Fishing, LLC liability waiver before participating in a guided trip. The waiver does not replace the safety briefing or the responsibility of each participant to follow instructions and exercise reasonable care throughout the day.
View Liability WaiverFor Active Duty & Veterans
Ready to get on the water?
Trips are exclusively for active-duty U.S. military members and veterans, offered at no cost. Submit a trip request and we'll follow up about availability.