Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2021 - 26

Smart
Wading
Means More Success

by John A. Punola
photos by the author
Veteran anglers know that silence and crafty approaches are
as vital as the fly or lure they are casting to unsuspecting
trout. The reason is simple-water carries sound. If you are
sloshing along through the water or stumbling along the
bank, your approach will alert trout. This is more of a factor
when fishing heavily fished streams.
Noise is not the only mistake anglers make. Trout have
keen vision, especially in clear water, and the fish see you
before you see them. Anglers should always maintain a low
profile in their approach as they prepare to present a lure.
The only thing trout should see is your fly or lure landing
on the surface. You should always think ahead before
approaching a location where you believe a trout is resting,
waiting for food to appear. There is no rush to fishing no
matter what you are fishing for on a given day.
I have observed anglers splashing along, casting, and
complaining that there are no fish in the stream or that a
stream was not stocked. Sound travels fast under water,
and it is not wise to advertise your arrival to the fish that
you are trying to catch. Foolish wading also startles the
trout for other anglers who may not be happy with all the
commotion you are causing. Stocked trout quickly adapt
to life in the streams and can be as wary as the seasoned
wild trout.
Enter the water some yards downstream, and move slowly
and quietly to your selected place to fish. Be a thinker and
observe the stream conditions. Ask yourself where the trout

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2021	

are most likely to be stationed, and what is the best approach.
It could mean going out of your way to reach trout, but in the
end, you will probably catch a fish.
Always try to fish upstream, so mud, silt, or loose gravel
will not move towards the trout. Try to keep shadows
behind you, and stay as close to the shore as possible to
minimize your shadow or silhouette. Proper equipment
is also important. Wear comfortable, proper fitting gear,
especially waders or hip boots, so you can move freely and
quietly. Select bootwear that will not restrict movement,
create unnecessary noise, or cause foot discomfort.
The following suggestions will increase your fishing
success. Always wear a good pair of polarized sunglasses,
which will serve to reduce glare, prevent eye strain,
and help see the trout better. The use of the polarized
sunglasses will also help you spot underwater hazards
and deep dropoffs that may cause serious problems when
wading and may save you from drowning. Wear polarized
sunglasses, even when the sky is overcast, to see many
things you may ordinarily miss.
Wear comfortable clothing that blends with the natural
colors. Brightly colored caps, shirts, or vests may startle wary
trout. When you are outdoors, dress like you are outdoors,
and use the proper strength of sunscreen to protect your face
and neck from potential skin cancer.
When possible, approach the trout by wading in faster
waters that will deaden any sound and reduce the trout's
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2021

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