When casting a line to trout swimming through the runs and riffles of a stream, anglers often have to wade out into fast-flowing waters, either to make the perfect cast or to play the fish once hooked.
Sometimes the fish are holding in a pool just a few feet beyond one’s casting ability. Sometimes the right spot to cast from is the bank on the other side. Sometimes an angler just has to see things from the other side.
There is, however, more to wading across a stream than merely getting to the other side. There’s a fair amount of science, both physics and biology, involved in successfully crossing a stream – at least in getting across without incident. Before venturing out on the waters, one really should take into consideration a number of factors, such as current direction, the amount of water pressure exerted by the current, water depth and temperature, 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.
The trick to wading in fast-flowing waters is understanding what you are up against and, above all, keeping your balance. It may sound simple, but there are all sorts of factors that come into play. Moving water creates pressure, which is exerted against an angler’s legs when attempting to wade across a stream. The pressure increases according to depth, large rocks and fallen trees. Water also flows at different speeds at different depths – the fastest is just below the surface. These variables in water speed and pressure, combined with slippery algae growing on the rocks and gravel below, make for less-than-secure footing when wading a stream.
Balance is key. Using a wading staff serves to create three points of balance, and will thus allow you to maintain two points of balance each time you lift your foot. Two is always better than one.
When crossing a stream, keep your legs apart to centre your gravity, and take short steps, one at a time, securing your footing before taking the next step. Cross facing upstream and move sideways so your feet and wading staff form a triangle of support. Choose a diagonal path across and downstream so you are not fighting the full force of the current. It is important to remember water flows faster where a stream is narrower, so the shortest distance is not always best. Never ever consider crossing if the water appears too deep and the current too fast.
The forest floor is covered with branches that can serve as a wading staff. Several years ago I had need of such a staff and selected one with the discerning eye of Moses. One with just the right length, diameter and heft –not too long, not too short, and just the right diameter to grip comfortably, with just the slightest taper from top to bottom. It served me well that day and, for some reason, I kept it and used it as a walking staff on my way back to the cabin. I still have it. More than anything else, it reminds me of my old dog Duffy.
I’d left the stick/staff leaning against the wall by the cabin door. Understand that according to Duff’s philosophy, all sticks were created with the sole purpose and equal ability to be both thrown and fetched, regardless of size. I remember coming out the door to find her lying there, with her head cocked at the same angle as the staff, chewing away, ever so gently with the hope and anticipation that I had brought the stick home to throw for her at some point, maybe after supper. It made me smile then and the memory still makes me smile now.
