Steelhead fishing etiquette question.

[flygoddess]

I agree with Riverdog. You were not fishing, but eating. They were within their right and obviously, it is a good hole. Maybe they knew that as well. Sounds like it. They did not crowd you, you were not fishing.
Maybe taking turns eating might have changed the outcome.
I don't know that I would have asked permission, but I would be civil and introduce myself. Tried to work things out all the way around, but in all honesty, I see your group crowding them not the other way around, but I stand in the river to change flies for that very reason....LOL
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