July 14, 2011
are waders really needed for fly fishing on the North Branch of the Ausable River in Michigan?
I am going upnorth tomorrow to my family cabin, and it is right on the north branch of the ausable river in michigan. where i am, virtually none of it is over my mid-stomach. I didnt use them last year, I just used a pair of basketball shorts. do they help you catch more fish? I have a vest, and a somewhat variety of flies, and I have the right pole, and set up, but I just dont have waders. Do I really need them? (I am a little short on money right now, so I havent really got the chance to buy them). If I really need them, I am going upnorth again in august, and I can buy them before I go upnorth again. But will i Be okay without them this time?
Providing you aren't getting cold from standing in the water then no you don't need them. They won't help you catch more fish, unless its in cold conditions where you can't wade without something to insulate you.
If you have a pair of hiking boots wear them as like the others above me said it will stop you damaging your feet and should give you some ankle support on the uneven river bottom. If the water is cold don't stay in it for too long as it saps your energy without you even knowing it, then when the time comes to climb out and up the river bank you will find it difficult (been there and done that). If your boots are slipping on the bottom you could always glue some patches of felt to them as it will help you get some grip on the slippery rocks. Be warned however felt soles can be slippery on other surfaces (such as wet grass). I would recommend a wading staff (you can use an old ski pole) if your wading on an uneven bottom as it helps you to see any drop off points in the river and helps you to remain stable.
Filed under Fly Fishing Vest by Brian
Comments on are waders really needed for fly fishing on the North Branch of the Ausable River in Michigan? »
Nah, you shouldn't need them this time of year. As long as you're comfortable and have a good pair of sneaks to protect your feet from busted beer bottles some jerks toss in the water, you should be fine.
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Waders are for comfort, some people don't like to get wet, some people don't like to get cold. If its hot out I prefer not to use waders because they get hot and sticky inside, plus its a great way to cool down.
References :
Providing you aren't getting cold from standing in the water then no you don't need them. They won't help you catch more fish, unless its in cold conditions where you can't wade without something to insulate you.
If you have a pair of hiking boots wear them as like the others above me said it will stop you damaging your feet and should give you some ankle support on the uneven river bottom. If the water is cold don't stay in it for too long as it saps your energy without you even knowing it, then when the time comes to climb out and up the river bank you will find it difficult (been there and done that). If your boots are slipping on the bottom you could always glue some patches of felt to them as it will help you get some grip on the slippery rocks. Be warned however felt soles can be slippery on other surfaces (such as wet grass). I would recommend a wading staff (you can use an old ski pole) if your wading on an uneven bottom as it helps you to see any drop off points in the river and helps you to remain stable.
References :