I will never leave a gravel bar. Had the tribal cop on the Skokomish tell me if I was on the gravel bar (island in the middle of the stream actually) when he made his next rounds, he was going to put waders on and come get me. Three bobber downs, and two keepers later I was done before he came back. I told him the law. Streambed/high water mark, he wasn't hearing it. I told him I follow state laws on state land. He didn't appreciate that either. Game warden told me I'm right. Stay out of the brush, trees and grass and I'm good. Gravel bars are fair public use.

Don't let whinny property owners run you off (unless they are drunk, stupid and using a weapon). I fish on private property, and there is not much I can do or say if people beach the drift boat and get out on the little gravel bar and fish. However, the moment they hit the grass I tell them to get back to the gravel. Most are understanding, some argue then leave, one had the sherrif called on him (don't try and take a [Bleeeeep!] of someones land). Sheriff took our side. Its pretty cut and dry on rivers. Owners think they own the bar, but they don't. They will always try and run you off.