FROM THE FLY BOX
Wading Safety in Western North Carolina
Mountain streams are inviting places to fish. A little preparation—and knowing what controls the water—goes a long way toward keeping them that way.
Freestone or Release-Controlled?
Know what controls the water before you step into it. Western North Carolina streams are approachable under normal conditions, but their behavior depends on whether flow is driven mainly by weather and runoff or by a dam and its operating schedule.
FREESTONE STREAMS
Freestone streams are primarily driven by natural runoff, rainfall, groundwater and snowmelt. Many smaller mountain streams and headwaters behave this way. Under normal conditions they can look remarkably benign, but heavy rain—even miles away—can send rising, faster water downstream.
RELEASE-CONTROLLED / DAM-INFLUENCED
Some major fisheries, including portions of the Tuckasegee and Nantahala systems, are influenced by hydroelectric dams and scheduled or operational releases. Water that was comfortably wadeable can become deeper, faster and unsafe as flows increase.
CLEAR SKY DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN SAFE WATER
A mountain creek can rise because of rain you never saw. If the water becomes stained, carries debris, rises against rocks, or increases in speed, get out and move to higher ground.
CHECK DUKE ENERGY RELEASE SCHEDULES →
Learn to Read Rising Water
Watch for:
• Water climbing higher against exposed rocks
• Increasing current speed
• Water becoming suddenly stained or muddy
• Leaves, sticks or other debris beginning to move downstream
• Previously exposed rocks disappearing
• A crossing you used earlier becoming noticeably deeper
IF SOMETHING LOOKS DIFFERENT, GET OUT.
The Cheapest Piece of Insurance in Your Pack.
I strongly recommend a collapsible wading staff, particularly on larger rivers such as the Tuckasegee and Nantahala. It gives you a third point of contact and lets you test depth, current and footing before committing your weight to the next step. Move deliberately rather than trying to walk normally underwater.
TWO POINTS OF CONTACT
For WNC, I Like Felt.
Felt-soled boots are a practical choice on many North Carolina waters, but rules can vary by water and by state. Check the current regulations for the specific water you plan to fish. For typical WNC walk-and-wade fishing, felt is my preferred sole because it grips the slick, algae-covered rocks common in these streams.
FELT — Excellent traction on slick rocks. For a day primarily spent standing and moving through a rocky WNC trout stream, this is generally my first choice.
RUBBER — Better for long approaches, hiking, muddy banks and moving frequently between trail and river. Studded rubber can be the better all-around choice when significant hiking is involved.
CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your equipment when moving between watersheds. Felt can retain water, sediment and organisms and potentially transport aquatic invasive species. Outside North Carolina, check local regulations—some states and waters prohibit felt soles.
The Creek Doesn’t Have to Look Dangerous.
Many Smokies and high-elevation streams are only knee-deep—or less—under normal conditions. That can create a false sense of security. These waters drain steep mountain terrain, so a storm several miles upstream can change conditions while it is still sunny where you are standing. Leave early if conditions begin changing; there is no fish worth one more cast in a rising mountain stream.
“It doesn’t have to be raining on you for the creek to rise.”
Crossing a Stream
Look upstream and downstream before choosing a crossing. Wider and shallower is usually preferable to narrow and deep. Avoid crossing immediately above waterfalls or significant rapids. Don’t cross if you cannot see or confidently feel the bottom. Face somewhat upstream, move deliberately, use a staff, and never cross a rain-swollen stream. If you’re unsure, turn around.
Wet Wading Season
Summer is one of the best times to wet wade Western North Carolina’s mountain streams. Once conditions and water temperatures are comfortable, ditching chest waders makes high-elevation fishing cooler, less bulky and more enjoyable. A basic setup is wading boots, neoprene or gravel-guard wet-wading socks, quick-drying pants or shorts, and a staff when appropriate. Mountain water can remain surprisingly cold at elevation, so dress for the actual conditions—not just the air temperature.
BEFORE YOU WADE
✓ Check the weather
✓ Check upstream weather—not just your exact location
✓ Check dam and release schedules where applicable
✓ Look at current water conditions
✓ Wear appropriate wading boots
✓ Carry a wading staff on bigger water
✓ Tell someone where you’re fishing in remote water
✓ Don’t force a crossing
✓ When the water changes, get out
Our Simple Rule
“The best wading decision is usually the conservative one.”
You can always fish another run. You can always come back tomorrow.
Ready to Find Your Water?
Start with the water you want to fish, then make the day fit the conditions.