HOOK AND FUR
By Bob Brown
Many of those who fish wear waders to access lakes, streams and wetlands without worrying about getting wet. Waders also offer a convenient way to stay warm. But wearing waders can create safety concerns. As with any venture into water, safety is paramount. Taking precautions, such as studying the surrounding area for hazards, is essential in making the use of waders safe and worry-free. The common fear of wearing waders is that if you fall, the waders will fill with water and drag you under the water's surface. One way to avoid this happening is to choose the right type of wader for the water to be fished and be knowledgeable about the depth of those waters. Waders come in several styles and materials such as canvas, rubber, neoprene, breathable fabrics and nylon. What type to use depends on how, when and time of the year they will be used. Hip waders work well in shallow-water conditions. Waist waders come up waist level and provide extra coverage in deeper waters. Chest waders extend to the chest area and do the same thing. Even if waders are used only in shallow waters, concerns remain the same regarding falls. River bed rocks are likely to be slick and could cause a misstep resulting in a fall to the knees. While hip waders can rapidly fill with water and as long as you don't fall backwards, chest waders can give you better protection. If the streambed is covered with rocks, waders with felt soles are best because they provide a good grip on the rocks. If the bottom is muddy or full of sand, then soles with cleats are preferred. If you do fall and the waders fill with water, keep them on. Your weight in the waders will approximate that of the water around you. In a quite stream, work your way toward shore. However, if the current is strong, don't fight it. Keep your feet high in the water and facing downstream. When a calmer section of water is reached, you can then get ashore. Waterproof fabrics such as neoprene provides a tight fit and are less likely to allow waders to fill with water. Neoprene is a great insulating material and helps keep fishermen warm during cold weather. What you wear under your waders also protect you from cold weather conditions. Dressing in layers help trap heat between each layer of clothing, but it is essential not to constrict your toes with thick socks. Blood must still circulate to help to retain heat and prevent frostbite.
18,000 trout for Skate and Tilton Skate Creek and Tilton River are each scheduled to be planted with 18,750 catchable-size trout June through August. Both waters open to fishing June 2. Anglers fishing Skate and the Tilton must release cutthroat trout and rainbows, except those having a clipped adipose fin and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin. Hatchery returns and releases Last week, 71 winter steelhead, two jacks, 407 spring chinook, 49 jacks and 56 summer steelhead returned to the Cowlitz Hatchery. Also, 98 spring chinook, 16 jacks and three winter steelhead were released into Lake Scanewa at the day-use park. Seventy-six chinook and nine jacks were released into the Cispus River and 88 chinook and 17 jacks into the upper Cowlitz at Packwood.
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