Unless you have a burning desire to spend a great deal of time studying the
trout in its UNDERWATER world, I suggest you practice careful and safe wading
techniques. Even the best and most careful wader can take a spill. Generally
when this happens, the worst thing to happen is a bruised backside and a battered
ego. But a spill can be mean!!! Well, enough said.
I have seen many anglers who seem to give no thought to safe wading practices,
but if you learn to wade with caution and stealth, you will keep dry, and
will reap great rewards. “How’s that?”, you say. First, you will
be less likely to spook the trout and secondly the cautious wader seldom gets
into trouble. Wading in moving water isn’t like taking a stroll down the street.
When wading in rocky freestone streams like the Yellowstone, Madison or Gallatin,
the weight should be centered on the ball of the foot and one foot is always
anchored firmly while the other is shuffled forward to find firm footing for
the next step. NEVER HURRY!!!
What’s the rush? Aggressive wading can spook trout and cause spills. Always
take your time and be sure of each step. Learn to go around obstacles, not
over them. In the freestone streams of the West, the spring run-off can bring
many changes. It can dig new pools, fill in old ones, change a riffle into
a heavy plunging run and create new gravel bars. The point being, the place
you crossed last year might be too deep and swift for crossing or wading this
year. This point was really made during the massive flood years of 1996 and
1997 on the Yellowstone, as the entire river channel shifted in some areas.
It is important to also take into account the time of year. The riffle you
waded across last March may have too much volume for you to safely do so in
early July.
Therefore, learn to take your time and observe and evaluate the depth, current
speed and other stream hazards before charging into the water. Learn which
water is not for you. Don’t be overconfident, and realize the limits of your
own physical capabilities.
There are two items that I am never without. They are a pair of studded wading
shoes and a wading belt. The studs are a great aid in assuring a firm grip
on slippery rocks and, when worn properly, the wader belt will keep you from
filling your waders in the event of a spill. If you do take a fall in swift
water and can’t regain your feet, go with the current and work your way toward
the nearest bank. DO NOT TRY TO MOVE UPSTREAM AGAINST THE CURRENT as
this can lead to disaster.
When fishing streams with soft, muddy bottoms, a carefully planned wading
approach will keep you from discoloring the water you wish to cover. Also,
move very slowly in streams with soft bottoms. This will prevent you from
stepping off a drop-off or into a sinkhole. Finally, when wading, wear a good
pair of polarized fishing glasses, which will help you, see where you are
going. Do not wade blindly or you will pay the price.
Safe and careful wading will allow you to approach more trout and will keep
you upright and dry. Remember, it’s the trout that is supposed to be cold
and wet, not the angler.
Editor’s note: With the coming of cooler weather this is an especially
relevant article. Hypothermia can set in very quickly once an person is wet from
a fall and during the coming winter months a quick dip in y
Originally published October 5, 2009 on Fly Anglers Online by Tom Travis.