Wading is an important part of fly fishing. It helps you get within range of fish to catch them. While you are wading, always keep safety in mind especially when you are alone.

 

First of all, do not cast and wade at the same time. Make sure you get into the proper position before casting. To do so, you need to place both feet firmly so you face the taget and then start working out line. You can always use objects such as a boulder to diminish water pressure to create as little disturbance as possible.

 

Try avoid deep water which can be dangerous for wading. Deep water also makes it hard to cast. Often people tend to think they will stop until the water is too deep but then realize it is difficult to go back the way they came. Try to keep your wading path in shallow water as much as possible. This way, if it gets too deep, you can always retrace your steps to safety.

 

Fish are more often spooked by poor wading than casting. Slowly easing through the water with great caution when fishing long, still pools in streams or smooth surfaces in saltwater flats, ponds, or lakes. When you are wading, take small steps through the water. This helps you walk as quietly as possible and causes as little disturbance as possible. Also in case you step on something slippery, you can still regain your balance and step elsewhere. The rocks in the water are often slippery because they get smoothed out from the constant flow of water. Thus always avoid walking on the rocks, walk between the rocks instead.

 

Another important wading technique is walking upstream, not downstream. When you wade downstream, you have the chance of being carried by the current into dangerous water. In downstream, it is also hard to fight the current if you decide to change the course. When you wade downstream, the fish have a much easier time to feel your coming. On the contrary, by wading upstream, you can lean into the current and use it as a brace as you walk. Also it is easier to see a fish when wading upstream.