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.
This access is right at the waters edge
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.
ReplyDeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteDo 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.
ReplyDeleteSometimes 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.
ReplyDeleteMark
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.
ReplyDeleteYup, been there before. I've had my share of leaky waders. And you're right, that Aquaseal is awesome stuff!
ReplyDeleteBill,
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
I love you my man...the stool that's necessary for us senior anglers.
ReplyDeleteKevin
ReplyDeleteIt 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
Fowl
ReplyDeleteThe only way I really found the foot leak was to run water into the foot area with the water hose. Thanks for the comment
Fly
ReplyDeleteLast 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
Mark
ReplyDeleteI 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
Howard
ReplyDeleteI 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
Ty
ReplyDeleteThe 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
Jay
ReplyDeleteJust 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
Brk
ReplyDeleteIt 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
leaky waders are the worst, summer is my favorite for wet wading
ReplyDelete