How do you Wade a River, Stream, or Creek???

[GdubyaSmith 0]

Looking to hear how other people do it successfully and safely. What is your technique, how did you develop it over the years, and how do you stay safe while doing it??? Also what equipment, if any, do you use(waders, etc.)

Even if you have never wade fished before how have you heard it done and does that make sense to you???

[fly123 0]

I definitely wade and face upstream if its a strong current

[fly123 0]

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[Chase Creek 0]

I fish small streams, generally using hip waders. When I wear chest waders, I always use a belt. I watch the speed of the water carefully - it doesn't take a very strong current to take your feet out, even in a small stream 2 ft deep. Watch where you put your feet and move slowly, with small steps. If the current is strong, put your side to it to reduce the area presented to the current. If you feel very uncomfortable wading a stream, don't do it.

"Well, he died doing what he loved." Doesn't mean a thing when you are taking water into your lungs. Drowning is not a pleasant way to die.

[utyer 0]

I have fished western streams and rivers for most of the last 50 years. The big rivers can be a real challenge. I never wear hip waders, always at least waist high or chest high waders. Neoprene is good, as they will stay tight and with a belt allow very little water in. Trust me, you WILL fall in. I have fallen in in more places than I can remember. Felt sole studded shoes are my choice for most wading.

 

When wading in swift current, I use a staff. This can be a stout stick you find or a wading staff, or an old ski pole. Go slowly in and watch your footing. Always get your foot well placed before taking the next step. I find that crossing in the shallowest places works better. I try to cross in water that is no more than knee deep if its got big slippery rocks. Gravel bottoms are easier, but you can get in too deep.

 

I try and stay out of the water if at all possible, but that won't always work, and there a lot of times when you need to cross to the other side.

 

A few tips. Always wear a belt with your waders. Always keep everything zipped up, or buttoned up (vest, jackets etc.) Waterproof boxes for cell phones cameras and car keys (many auto locking keys won't work when wet.) Face across stream, that way, your upper leg breaks current for the lower food as you move it. Brace your self with the staff as you move the upper step. I find it works better than when you have both legs in the current at once. Fish with someone else.

 

Wade to cross, then fish. Don't fish and move in swift current. Get a good secure place to cast from make your casts while stationary, then move on.

 

I was pretty bold (reckless, my mom would say,) when I was younger. I find I am a lot more cautious now, and I know most of the places I fish pretty well, so I know where there are good spots to cross, and what places offer easy bottoms to stand and fish.

[Hellgrammite 0]

I usually wade wet (I wait till water is tolerable enough of course) or wear hip waders only if I dont. I also simply avoid water that has anything more than a small current unless I am wading wet and dont mind a swim. I love water, and swim like a fish, but I am quite timid about current and deep water. The fact I dont wade deep helps; less body in water, less surface area for current to press.

[mikechell 0]

I've modified my inflatable life vest to hold a few tools like a vest or lanyard. So when I wade now, I am wearing my inflatable. If I ever get into trouble, I just pull the tab and I'll be floating.

Agreeing with Utyer, too, on fishing THEN wading, or wading THEN fishing. Trying to move and watch your line at the same time is an easy way to get under water.

[Undertow 0]

If I have to be in the stream or river I always wade upstream. I learned wading the hard way. I've been dunked before but once in the St. Mary's rapid I took a tumble and my waders filled up and pinned me to the bottom sending me thrashing downstream while slamming into boulders. I thought I was done for. I managed to get my head above water but I did lose a 500$ fly rig and a phone. Actually, I've lost a lot of phones. Everything written above is good advice. Just use your head when wading. If it looks like a strong a current be cautious and never get cocky. Currents and rivers change with every step. Also as Mikechell wrote wearing a inflatable life vest is a good idea.

 

Undertow

[Jaydub 0]

I use felt soles with studs and a wading staff. I have three points of contact and move one at a time. Take a step, get my foot firmly planted, take a step with the other foot, get it planted, move the staff, repeat.

[mridenour 0]

I've never used a wading staff but I am going to get one before my next trip. I am far less flexible than I used to be and my balance is worse and my reflexes are slower. The technique Jaydub describes is a good one. The most difficult wading to me is in water with rocks 6-10 inches covered in moss on the bottom. My feet tend to get wedged in and balance can get compromised easily especially if the current is moderate to strong. Going slow is the only good way to navigate this kind of underwater terrain. Make sure your front foot is firmly planted and secure before moving the back one. There is no rush to reach the other side or the next hole.

[Jagerboy 0]

Waist height breathables with *at least* studded boots (prefer studded + felt, I can confidently wade anywhere with them), or wet wade in the summer. I don't use a wading staff, personally. I also often fish right from the bank or very close to it, waders are for if I need to cross or occasionaly help reach a spot. Plus if you're wading over knee height, you're standing where you should be fishing IMO.

[Crackaig 0]

The access regulations are very different where you are so that may affect how you are permitted to behave.

 

Like others have said don't wade if you don't have to. Some people, when they get waders, like to paddle. Your casting ability will dictate how much you wade. There are times though, when you just can not get into position without going into the water.

 

Plan where you are going before you set out. Its not a good idea just to wander around in the water. On one occasion on the River Wharfe I found a nice easily wadeable gravel bar, it made a great place to cast from to access the deep water on the far side. I waded along it feeling quite secure until I was above waste deep. Then I discovered my mistake. I couldn't move to either side without swimming. In the end I had to retrace my footprints, walking backwards. Though not fast the current was "heavy". It took me almost 1/2 an hour to backtrack 30 yards. As already mentioned face the current, as it can take your knees out from under you.

 

Wading staffs are usually a pain in the... I've tried various. A friend has one made from split bamboo with a cork handle and brass fittings, it's a work of art. I hate it! They are great while wading, then when you have line out the gremlins will appear and take great delight in wrapping any loose line around it. When you have untangled your line ready to move it will get caught between your legs and trip you. . Help is at hand though. In the form of the multi-section wading staffs that have elastic through them like a tent pole. They sit in a holster on your belt until you need them. Then when you want it just grab the handle and pull. Instantly the staff assembles and is ready to go. It is fast enough to save you from a stumble. You need your staff on a lanyard so you can let go of it to free your hands. Make sure that you can break the lanyard if it gets stuck

 

With chest waders a belt should be worn. One with an elasticated section is my first choice. It remains tight enough but still comfortable. If you do, no when you do, fall in it will stop the water from filling your waders. It is a good idea to fall in once or twice in a controlled situation just so you can practice. I once tried to organize a day for just this purpose. We couldn't do it! It breaks the health and safety laws. We would have the heat the river to an acceptable level as you are not permitted too do any practice in cold water! We had a good fishing hut to change in, that was heated, and a sub aqua club were willing to put divers in the water to keep everyone safe.

 

Certainly until you find your feet don't go alone. Don't view the top of your waders as some kind of plimsoll line stay well within your depth. Keep a change of cloths in the car.

 

Cheers,

C.

[shoebop 0]

For me, the hardest thing about wadeing is judging the depth of the bottom,especially in riffles or if the water is clouded. I can't count how many times I have stepped into a small hole when I thought that the bottom was relatively flat. I have stumbled and fallen into one or barely survived a fall many times. It doesn't take much of a change in depth to throw you off balance.

[utyer 0]

Wading: What fisherman do before going swimming.

[planettrout 0]

Wading: What fisherman do before going swimming.

 

Second ... THAT !!!

 

 

PT/TB