In last week’s column, I suggested the trick to wading in fast flowing waters is having an understanding of what you’re up against before venturing out.
Simply stated, I suggested that being able to keep one’s balance is of utmost importance, and that an angler needs to take into consideration a number of scientific factors such as: current direction, the amount of water pressure exerted by the current, water depth and temperature, and the amount of algae and subaquatic plant life on the rocks and gravel on the bottom of the stream – not to mention one’s physical height, weight, strength and stamina – all in order to successfully gain access to the other side.
I also talked about using a wading staff. There are commercially made, well-designed, collapsible wading staffs that one can buy in fishing tackle stores that fit quite nicely into a tackle bag or day pack. There are also whole forest floors covered with branches that will serve the same purpose. I’m the sort that is inclined to forget a store-bought wading staff at home or in the vehicle, and lean towards the branch-style of wading staff.
There are a number of other items of fishing/wading gear that one also needs to consider beyond a good life-jacket.
Anglers who routinely spend time wading out into, and/or crossing moving waters have likely already considered what type of waders they are most comfortable wearing, and what material they prefer for the soles of their waders. I prefer wearing wading boots over my waders, and will only use felt soles on my boots for the plain and simple reason that they do not slip as much on algae-covered rocks. Waders with rubber-soled boots built in are downright dangerous, in my opinion, and should not even be considered for angling in moving waters, regardless of depth, current and/or stream bottom.
Another important piece of gear that comes into play when crossing a stream is a good pair of polarized sunglasses. These will break the glare on the surface of the water and allow you to attain a somewhat better view of the stream bottom – depending on the depth of the water and the amount of silt being carried in the water by the current.
Slipping and falling in even shallow waters can cause a rod to snap. No rod, no fishing. This brings me to the third and most important item of fishing gear - so to speak: one’s choice of a fishing partner. This is where the common-sense part comes into wading or crossing a stream. Should you lose your footing and fall into the water, it is better to have someone else there. One little slip and things can sometimes go horribly wrong. A broken rod is one thing, a sprained or broken ankle is another. Not to mention the fact the current can carry you into a very dangerous and/or life-threatening situation in a matter of seconds. I would never even consider crossing a fast-flowing stream by myself.
For the better part of 20 years now I have fished many a river and stream with my friend Corey. He is younger and considerably stronger than I. Both are factors I have become very aware of during our many hours casting some of the best salmon and steelhead waters this province has to offer.
I remember wading across one particular stream and finding myself up to my hips in fairly fast-moving water. I was inching my way across, feeling a little insecure, when I noticed Corey move from the upstream to the downstream side of me. He said nothing, but I knew that he was positioning himself … just in case I slipped. He would be there to grab me. I now know that he will always be there – just in case.