Ask MidCurrent: How Can I Wade Safely?

Question: I recently underwent knee surgery, so I’m not as nimble as I used to be. I’m a little nervous about wading in rivers, especially during the high water of spring. What are the best ways to stay safe and avoid an unintentional swim?
—Cody G., via email

Answer: Wading is an essential skill for fly anglers seeking access to productive water, but it also presents significant hazards. While fly fishing is hardly an extreme sport, the sobering reality is that most of us fall occasionally, and a solid dunking can ruin a day on the water. A fall on a rocky stretch of water can lead to cuts, sprains, or broken bones, and in cool weather it can result in hypothermia. Even worse, each year anglers of all ages, experience levels, and backgrounds drown while fly fishing.

You can minimize your chances of falling by using the right equipment, making the right choices on the water, and paying attention to your surroundings.

Wear a Wading Belt!

Perhaps no piece of safety equipment is more vital than the humble wading belt, which can make the difference between life and death. The belt prevents your waders from filling with water if you fall in. Contrary to popular belief, waders full of water don’t pull you under—the water inside weighs the same as the water outside. However, without a belt, waders can fill rapidly and create a “sea anchor” effect, as the current keeps the top of your waders open.

Your wading belt should be snug with slight stretch to follow your contours, and the buckle should be able to release even under pressure. In a recent article in Fly Fisherman, Ralph Cutter argues that the most effective approach is to wear two belts—one at the waist and another around the chest.

A wading staff provides a third point of contact to help your balance. Photo courtesy Orvis

Equip Yourself

Your wading gear forms your first line of defense against river hazards:

• Wading boots with felt or rubber soles provide crucial traction. Felt soles excel on slippery rocks, but they are banned in some states due to invasive-species concerns. Modern sticky-rubber soles offer a good alternative, but you should always add studs or cleats for extra traction. The sticky rubber alone isn’t usually enough.
• A wading staff serves as your third point of contact with the riverbed, dramatically improving stability. Modern collapsible versions attach to your vest or belt when not in use.
• A Personal flotation device (PFD) is essential for fishing in deep or swift water. Slim inflatable models designed for anglers offer mobility without sacrificing safety. There are also several fishing vests that incorporate a PFD that can be manually inflated.

Learn to Read the Water

Developing the ability to identify potential hazards is critical for safe wading. Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations.

• Whenever possible, don’t wade. If you can present a fly without getting in the water, stay on the bank. And if you are in the water and want to move a good distance, wade to shore and then walk along the bank until you are close to the position you want to fish from.
• Avoid deep pools and swift currents. Water moving faster than walking pace can easily sweep you off your feet.
• Look for changes in water color and texture, which can indicate submerged obstacles or unexpected depth changes.
• Plan your route. Before you wade into a spot, make sure you can easily get back to dry land. Identify exit points and safe areas along your intended path.
• Be aware that clear water appears shallower than it actually is. What looks knee-deep might reach your waist.

Paying attention to color changes in the bottom is important. This dark spot is a hole that would probably send you for a tumble if you stepped in it. Photo: Phil Monahan

Use Proper Wading Technique

How you move through water significantly impacts your safety:

• Move slowly. Most accidents happen because an angler is rushing.
• Take small, shuffling steps rather than lifting your feet high off the bottom. This maintains maximum contact with the riverbed and reduces your chances of slipping.
• Test each footing before committing your weight. Use your wading staff to probe ahead for depth and stability.
• Keep your center of gravity low when navigating difficult sections by slightly bending your knees.
• Cross in shallow water, such as in the tailouts of pools.
• Move diagonally upstream when crossing currents, which helps prevent the current from pushing directly against your legs. It also means that won’t get into a position where you need to fight the current to get out if you find yourself unable to go forward.

Be Aware of River Conditions

Being mindful of your surroundings is essential:

• Check the weather forecast before heading out. Flash floods can occur rapidly, especially in mountain streams during thunderstorm season.
• Be aware of water levels and releases from upstream dams, which can cause sudden and dramatic increases in water level and flow.
• Note that cloudy water reduces visibility of the riverbed and increases wading hazards. If you can’t see where you’re putting your feet, you rish stepping in a hole of tripping over a rock or log.
• Recognize that bottom conditions change. Areas that were safe in summer may become treacherous after autumn leaf fall or spring runoff.

A spike in water level could mean difficult wading.

What If You Do Fall?

If you fall while wearing waders, the traditional defensive swimming position (floating on your back with feet downstream) can be dangerous. This technique, taught by most safety organizations, assumes that the swimmer is wearing a life jacket, not waders. With your head upstream in this position, moving water quickly fills waders, especially if you’re not wearing a wading belt. (See above.)

Instead, get on your stomach and swim aggressively down and across the current toward safety. Stay low in the water and keep both hands submerged for buoyancy—even one arm’s buoyancy can make the difference between floating and sinking. Try to consciously control your breathing to maintain calm. Exhale about half your lung volume and inhale in a controlled manner, timing your breaths between waves when possible.

Once you reach shore, crawl completely out of the water before attempting to stand. Trying to stand while still partially submerged can cause water-filled waders to either knock you down or collapse around your knees, creating another hazard. Once safely ashore, lie on your back and raise one leg at a time to empty the water.

Exercise Good Judgment

Perhaps the most crucial safety tool is sound judgment. Recognizing when conditions exceed your abilities, understanding the power of moving water, and remaining vigilant about changing river conditions all contribute to safer wading. The river environment demands respect regardless of your experience level.

By combining proper equipment, proven techniques, and wise decision-making, you can safely access productive water while minimizing risks. The essence of wading safety isn’t about eliminating all risk but managing it intelligently so you can return home safely after each fishing adventure.