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July, 2005
Down the River with Drift Boat jones
The WADING is the hardest part!
By Drift Boat Jones
This spring has been particularly unusual in terms of water flow! Did someone mention high water? Well, this translated into great fishing in our rivers and tributaries as the salmon and trout responded to the heavy and consistent run of smelts up and down the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers.
Several days in May I witnessed diehard anglers of these rivers casting flies with their backs to the alder trees in precarious places. Now that the levels have subsided, more and more of us will be pressing through the current to get to our favorite fishing spots. So, with that in mind, let’s talk about wading in rivers … which can be very dangerous!
I will never forget my very first whitewater rafting trip: what an exciting, cold, and scary experience. If there was one consistent message that was pounded into my long-term memory, it was this: “Do Not Stand Up In The River, Ever!” The fear is that your leg will get trapped in or under a subsurface object, then as you try unsuccessfully to wrench it free, the current tires you and eventually pushes you underwater, holding you there until you drown. This is very true; although, people break this rule every day when they wade fish. Wading can be very dangerous and should be considered a learned skill like the Eskimo roll, or fly casting, or backing up a trailer.
If or when you attempt to wade in mild current to access a fishing spot, please follow these simple suggestions related to river safety:
Do not wade in water over your knees if you feel that the water/current is quick and strong.
Carry a ski pole, hiking staff, or benefited wading staff to give you a third leg to stand on. (This tool helps me determine the speed and depth of the water I am entering into…. important!)
Wear appropriate footwear for the water you are entering. Waders and felt-soled booties are simply the best, but sneakers or sandals are fine in slow gravel bottom areas, especially when wet-wading in shorts.
Watch the river level by calling ahead and checking flow changes (1 800 557 flow), and pick a unique rock or tree branch on the shore for you to visually reference changes in flow levels every minute or so.
When you decide to change positions, put all your weight on one foot at a time, and balance yourself with a staff. The nervous shuffle of feet results in unsure footing, and eventually a swim; imagine putting all your weight on one foot on a bathroom scale, this translates into traction and secure footing.
I like to walk somewhat sideways to the current with my upstream foot making decisive steps toward my goal, while placing my downstream leg in the eddy created by my upstream leg. Always carry your staff in your upstream hand, this will support your upper body in the event that your feet start to get swept down stream…. important!
When wearing waders, always, always, always……did I mention always wear a wading belt. Basically, a pair of waders are a form-fitted ‘sea anchor’ that will haul you helplessly to the bottom of the river, unless you create a way of preventing the waders from filling up with water if you swim; the wading belt can, and may save your life!
Follow these simple tips and exercise good common sense while exploring our rivers on foot. It is extremely dangerous to walk around a river below a dam, and many young lives have been ended as a result of poor judgment and/or lack of foresight and planning. Be safe, wade carefully, and if you do happen to find yourself in the drink, by all means, don’t stand up!
Drift Boat Jones is a professional fly fishing guide who employs drift boats and advanced fly fishing techniques to explore the rivers we all love and share. Check out his new web site at: http://www.driftboating.com
Email nick [at] noumbrella [dot] com with your questions, comments and concerns.
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