Neither do I, and I say that thankfully. I go out of my way to fish fairly remote, tough to access streams, to avoid the likelyhood of encountering other fishermen. IMO The solitude is a big part of the wild trout experience.
On three of my favorite streams, that I have collectively fished over 120+ times in 20+ years, I have seen 5 or 6 fishermen, total. I like that. I just pray the Lord continues to give me the good health and ability to get to them. 🙏
Same here...
I have fished some sections of some Class A creeks regularly since the 1980's and at one in particular that isn't remote or secluded, I haven't seen even 10 other fisherman IN TOTAL all of those years...
However as stupid and pathetic it sounds to those who believe the mantra "there are no secret places," I do have some "cloaking" behaviors I've adopted because I am an unapologetic, fervent, selfish, self-preservationist when it comes to fishing spots:
First, I never "fish & tell" or mention WHERE exactly I was, or are going fishing. I also no longer take anyone with me to a creek section I like a lot and want all to myself. I did in the past and later realized it was a huge mistake because later that person was looking for some local and Internet fame so he wasn't as closed mouthed as me. Today at a few of those places, I am no longer alone.
This is PARTICULARLY important if these places run through private property because crowds and/or bad behavior leads to posting...
Once I am at a location where I am trying to NOT draw attention, I try my best to hide that I am going fishing for as long as possible as I am getting ready by the car meaning the rod comes out last or I get ready as fast as possible and dash out of sight.
If there is a Class A or otherwise NON stocked trout stream where people driving/walking can see me fishing in a region where I typically never see anyone DURING the Regular Season, I will NEVER fish that stream or section during the Closed Period. I used to, but all I did was attract the attention of folks who want to tell me, "It isn't trout season yet" which leads to a discussion and attention to place I am fishing...
It sounds funny but once the season is open, I never see anyone at those same places so it must help a little to not attract attention to them when many folks think fishing ISN'T permitted.
If an under the radar Class A or natural reproduction stream runs by a roadway, under a bridge or along a place where people may be walking, if I hook a fish and a car or person approaches, I will let my line go slack to try and make it look like I haven’t hooked a fish...
I also admit to being a habitual liar when it comes to discussing results with anyone I encounter on stream or by the car. Typical response, "The fishing sucked, I saw no hatches and I got skunked..." If I am caught in the act of catching a fish, it is usually "This was the only fish of the day and BTW, some guy upstream was shooting at me."
😉
In regards to getting a little solitude at the few Stocked Trout Waters I'll fish, it is as easy as looking at the stocking schedule and NOT going for at least a week or two after the last fish dump. I also avoid stocked Fly Fishing Only Sections like the plague and most other Special Regulation sections most times of the year.
Don't get me wrong, I'll help if you ask about tackle, techniques and other stuff. I'll give you flies, teach you knots and share my beer, but other than telling someone where to take their kid fishing, when it comes to my favorite spots...
