Tuesday, June 19, 2012

The Episode of The Leaky Wader


A couple of weeks ago I made my first trip in a while to our local tailrace to check out the progress of the access points and of course to cast for the rain bow. While there I experienced what all wading fly fishermen experience from time to time and that is a leaky wader. In this case it was a small slit at the top of my right foot stocking. One doesn’t have to guess when you have a leak especially if you are in 62 degree water. Not to be outdo I forgot about the leak because this was one of best days on the Sipsey Tailrace and I wasn’t about to leave trout that was clamming for my Zebra Midge. I didn’t realize how bad the leak was until I started back to the truck and kept hearing this gushing sound with every step I made. Upon getting back to the truck I set up my little folding stool, which by the way is a must for all us older guys when pulling of your waders. Why because it is easier for me to remove my waders sitting down as oppose to standing up. So while seated I pulled the leaky right foot wader off and emptied as much as a pint of water out. If anything it held water still inside even if it didn’t hold water from the outside. Now to end this long explanation of the leaky wader episode; I did manage to repair the wader with some exceptional sealant; Aquaseal which actually sealed the seam better than the original. In fact I tried out the leaky wader on Friday right after my bonus day on Thursday and the wader held up to perfection but sorry to report the Sipsey Tailrace brought me back down to reality---only two trout brought to hand, one on the Gnat and the other on the Prince Nymph. Both patterns were size 18. Just goes to show when you think you have a plan and a pattern in place for another day on the water it can all go south; but if every time was a stellar day then we all might get bored with this great sport. 
I thought I would share some shots I took showing the progress of the access points along the Sipsey. These metal steps will last a lifetime. You are only 25 to 30 ft. from the waters edge at seven different locations along a 3 mile stretch. All the metal steps will be equipped with hand rails. One access point will be handicapped accessible.
These concrete pilings 30" in diameter will hold the big metal steps in place. These are being used on all the access points. Our club is working with our local Senator and Representative to introduce legislation in the upcoming session in January to put browns and brooks trout in the tailrace. There is opposition to the move because the powers that be claim the browns will eat the endangered Black Eel in the Sipsey. Our club found out through the Game and Fish that this Eel is no longer in this stretch of the river. So as you can see we are dealing with a bunch of old sore heads in Montgomery. None of these guys fish and certainly don't trout fish.
This access is right at the waters edge
   

17 comments:

  1. That is great. I'm sure you guys will get some trout in there soon. Maybe show how much revenue is gained from trout fishing being introduced in other states. In NC I think it costs 25million to stock trout but the gain is 120million in economic revenue. It's so successful new streams are being stocked all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. A few times, I waited for the new/no moon, hanging my waders up and dropping a powered light bulb into each leg looking for leaks. I did not find any. I get phantom leak sensations that are actually a combination of cold weather and my own perspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Do what I do and just forget the waders all together. Get some quick drying pants and get to it. You might shiver a bit but with some quick drying pants and the summer in full swing you'll welcome the cool water. Those access points look good.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sometimes you just have to buck it up and slosh in that 62 degree water. I use the tailgate on my truck to take waders off. It gives me a place to throw them and the wet boots while I get dry socks and sneakers on.

    Mark

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bill, I have to tell you. I haven't had a pair of waders on for two years. I've even been known to fish high mountain streams in Sept. and Oct. in cutoffs and sandals. Just don't try to drive until your feet defrost.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yup, been there before. I've had my share of leaky waders. And you're right, that Aquaseal is awesome stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bill,
    Thanks for sharing the views of the new accesses. Kelly and I have some brand new waders we need to test out. I guess I need to get to tying some zebra midges. Hopefully, my work load will slow down soon and maybe we could meet up down there.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love you my man...the stool that's necessary for us senior anglers.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kevin
    It is extremely difficult to get any action this tailrace as far as stocking browns and brooks. Our club has working on this issue for the past couple of years. Now we are going political, with legisation. I hope this will move us towards stocking of both species next year. Thanks for the information about economic revenue

    ReplyDelete
  10. Fowl
    The only way I really found the foot leak was to run water into the foot area with the water hose. Thanks for the comment

    ReplyDelete
  11. Fly
    Last Friday I felt like sheding the waders and just wearing my shorts it was that hot even in 62 degree water. Thanks for the commnet

    ReplyDelete
  12. Mark
    I found the tailgate was a bit too high for me so I went for dove shooting folding stool. It works perfect with a low position. Thanks for the comment

    ReplyDelete
  13. Howard
    I did go without waders last August on that nightmare of a trip to Bear Creek with my Nephew. The water was a cool 68, and if I had been wearing waders on that trip I would have gone under for sure. The canoe overturned twice and if you read the post I lost lots of fishing equipment. I am thinking about wading in shorts in the hot summer months. Thanks for the comment

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ty
    The Aquaseal is actually stronger than the seams. The kit comes with a couple of patches to repair holes in your waders too. Thanks for the comment

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jay
    Just let me know when you guys can come up and I will meet you there. The weekends are really crowded, the best days are Tuesday and Thursday. All 7 access points shoud be finished by the end of July. Thanks for the comment

    ReplyDelete
  16. Brk
    It really sucks getting older, but we can't stay young forever. That stool has made my wading experience a lot easier. Thanks for the comment

    ReplyDelete
  17. leaky waders are the worst, summer is my favorite for wet wading

    ReplyDelete