vest, and waders. Stick to the knee
deep rule. Don’t wade if the water
is over knee deep.
and rubber soles help keep you
from slipping and falling.
The following is a list of things that we hope will help you arrive at Great Smoky Mountains National Park with everything you need to fly fish these beautiful, freestone mountain streams. If you are new to fly fishing, you may want to read this section of our website on Gear first.
Waders:
Wading is optional. You don’t have to wade to catch trout. In fact, wading spooks trout and you should avoid it as long as you can present your fly in the area you need to without wading.
During hot weather, you can wade without waders (wet wade), using only wading boots. Just wear shorts and enjoy the cool water. Again, stay out of the water as long as you can get your fly in the right spots without getting in the water.
So far it sounds like I am telling you that you don’t need waders. That is not my intension. There are many conditions under which waders will be needed and helpful towards catching trout. You cannot get your fly in the right spots from the bank in many situations.
If you are just getting started, then you may want to try fishing from the banks the first time without wading. If you fail to catch trout, just be aware that wading may have been the difference. It is best for you to have waders. If you do, keep in mind that there is more to wading than just getting into the water. You will need to learn some safety precautions and how to wade without spooking a lot of trout.
Wading Boots:
Wading Boots are necessary whether you wade using waders or “wet wade” without waders. They will protect your feet and help you avoid slipping and falling. There are felt soles, new rubber soles that help prevent the spread of didymo, and cleat soles. Do not use the cleat soles fishing the Smokies. You can easily slip on the round, smooth rocks and boulders that make up the freestone streams.
Wading Underwear:
I am mentioning this because if you wade, you want to consider what you are wearing under your waders. If it is cold weather, you need to consider having some type of insulated underwear underneath your waders. In warm weather you may get by just wearing your normal pants under the waders. They make underwear specifically for wading but it is not necessary by any means.
Wading Jacket:
They make special jackets that are cut short specifically for wading. They usually have special pockets for fly fishing accessories and fly boxes. They are not necessary. You can certainly get by with any good breathable jacket that is short cut. Long jackets will get wet easier than short cut ones. If you are fishing in wet conditions, rain or snow, you would want to use a waterproof jacket to wade in or at least a rain jacket worn over the non-waterproof wading jacket. Of course, if the weather is warm, you may not need a wading jacket at all.
Wading Staff:
A wading staff is a stick that helps keep you from falling while wading. Most anglers do not use one. It is good for people that have a difficult time of keeping their balance. Elderly people may need to consider them. Most of them fold up or collapse in some manner so they can be conveniently stored away.
Booties:
If you “Wet Wade”, you will need some booties or sock like boots usually made of neoprene to replace the space in your wading boots that is normally taken up by waders making the boots comfortable.
Gravel Guards:
Gravel guards help keep small rocks out of your wading boots. Some waders have them built in. If not, you will need separate gravel guards.
Wading Belt:
Last but not least is a wading belt. Make certain you have one and make certain you use it. It could save your life. If you fall in, water can run down the legs of your pants and fill them up along with your waist area. The added weight could be a big problem.
Copyright 2009 James Marsh
