Choosing Your Flow: Fly Fishing Wading vs. Floating
When faced with the choice between wading through the water or floating atop its surface, anglers are often torn between two tantalizing options, each offering its own unique blend of challenges and rewards. Anglers must weigh the pros and cons of each approach before deciding which path to take.
Wading provides the tranquility of standing knee-deep in a river’s cool waters, feeling the gentle caress of the current against your legs. It’s a serene experience, offering moments of quiet reflection and a connection with the natural flow of the water. Though grounding and relaxing, it keeps anglers tethered to specific spots, limiting their reach and exploration. Wading offers direct engagement with the river; however, it also comes with safety concerns, as slippery rocks and swift currents can pose a risk to the unwary.
On the other hand, floating opens up a world of boundless opportunities, beckoning anglers to explore remote stretches of river that are otherwise out of reach. Drift boats and rafts glide over the water’s surface, offering a comfortable perch from which to target trout. With the freedom to roam, anglers in boats can cover more ground and increase both the number of opportunities and their chances of encountering trophy fish. Floating offers mobility and comfort, but the pace can be demanding.
Some guides will say it is better to wade for a beginner so that your guide can be more hands on. Personally, I love taking beginners and even first-time anglers in a boat. Floating is a productive and action-packed adventure, and if you need more practice, we can easily find a place to anchor for a while. To find out your personal preference, I suggest trying both!
In the end, whether you choose to wade or float, the essence of fly fishing lies in the experience itself. So, seize the adventure that lies ahead, and let fly fishing lead you on a journey that’s bound to captivate you for life.
Audrey Grand is a full time guide with Willowfly Anglers at Three Rivers Resort. She creates and instructs special clinics, including the popular women’s fly fishing clinics held in the spring and fall. Audrey is an encouraging teacher, accomplished angler, and skilled outdoors woman. Her knowledge and enthusiasm are sure to get you hooked on the amazing, lifelong pursuit of fly fishing!
