Q: I recently underwent knee surgery, so I’m not as nimble as I used to be. I’m a little nervous about wading in rivers, especially during the high water of spring. What are the best ways to stay safe and avoid an unintentional swim?
—Cody G., via email
A: Wading is an essential skill for fly anglers seeking access to productive water, but it also presents significant hazards. While fly fishing is hardly an extreme sport, the sobering reality is that most of us fall occasionally, and a solid dunking can ruin a day on the water. A fall on a rocky stretch of water can lead to cuts, sprains, or broken bones, and in cool weather it can result in hypothermia. Even worse, each year anglers of all ages, experience levels, and backgrounds drown while fly fishing.
You can minimize your chances of falling by using the right equipment, making the right choices on the water, and paying attention to your surroundings…
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