One of my fears happened today………….

Well after work I headed up to a river to fly fish in my chest waders. I was told that in the deep spots I would get up to my chest. So I went down stream no problems landing some nice smallies saw a dogfish go after one of the small ones after I hooked it. But he was not interested in my fly. I was getting a little dehydrated so

I went to cut across the stream and me and the other guy went from knee deep water to over my head in 2 steps. I tried to back up but it was too late the current got a hold of me and I was doing everything I could to keep my head….and camera above the water. I did manage to get out alright and my camera is fine. But this has been my fear for some time and I never even had time to panic I am glad of that too. I was joking about it on the way home but what a scare! Just remember don’t panic! I think I would not have made it if I had paniced I got the Idea to use my rod as a pushpole to get me to shore. Just needed to get that off of my chest …..thanks guys.

Glad to hear you came out fine.

I think I speak for alot of us when I sayI’m glad to hear this story from you rather than have be reminded of these situations in the paper.

Some thing I was watching or reading was mentioning people using waders need to wear a belt around the outside. Just be thankful it wasn’t ice cold water. Glad to hear you made it out ok.
WarrenMN

The waders I wear are tight fitting so I don’t need a belt but I am considering and inflatable jacket. After I got home is when I got shook up about this. Just wanted to get this off my chest and let others know to be careful. I have been out many times and never been that close.
Happy fishing Aaron

I did the same thing last year, but I was fortunate enough to sink up to my crotch in some nasty muck at the bottom. One of my legs was buried and I was down on my other knee. I sat traped and sinking about nose deep. Luckily I had a good friend with me that was still on solid ground that was able to yank me up.

I had quite a bit of water in my waders after that and not all of it was from the stream…..

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I had quite a bit of water in my waders after that and not all of it was from the stream…..

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Seriously though, good thing you made it…. I know I would have panicked….

Glad to hear you got out of there! But I ditto wearing a belt. You would be really surprised how much water tight fiting waders will take in…….

Thanks for sharing this. It just might save a life down the road. I agree that it certainly would be a good idea to wear a life vest of some sort. Better to be safe than sorry.
Thanks, Bill

Glad you’re okay, Aaron!

Good to hear you are Ok. Wading in current can be dangerous at times, especially in cold water. Some of the bottoms have lots of algae or moss growing making them very slippery too. I’ve never had water go over my chest waders and don’t want to know what that is like.

You didnt say if you had a belt on your waders. With a belt or even rope in a pinch tight around your waders they will not fill up fast and drag you under. You’ll actually have some flotation from them. Your right about panicking. Dont do it. Its not that big a deal. You get wet but you get out alive.

I was not wearing a belt and I could feel the water slowly seeping in. By the time I got out of the water I was exhausted. I only had water in my waders up to my knees. The waders were neoprene so they do float a little and that was a help. But all in all I must say lesson learned. I even went out and did some fishing with my father this morning so I don’t see this slowing me down. Just a little more carefull.

Its a good story (eperience)(well maybe not so good) but
your here to write it , thats wat counts..
Out swimmin one day I was out about 30 feet when I ran out of fuel , I started goin under swallowing water and flipping out , I was sinkin and my Freind grabed me and drug me to shore ..The only person close ,not for him I
know I wouldnt be here today…
God Bless Im glad you made it thru it !

I’ve fallen in outduck huntin before and I know it’s not fun. I’m glad to hear your ok.

that is definatly a scare of a lifetime, things can happen so fast out there. glad to hear your ok and made it out fine.

Went out and got sospenders today!

If it happens again I’ll be a little more prepared!

Glad to hear you talking about it. the other option sucks!
Happened to me many years ago, duck hunting a river. Out on a sand bar with my shotgun, big chunk of ice bowls me over. Remember the old rubber/canvas waders? Well, they’re heavy, and heavier full of water. Water went deep fast. Used my shotgun to get me feet under me. Used up 8 of my nine lives! You are so right about keeping your wits and not panicking.
I had a mild case of hypothermia, and a story to tell. Beats a funeral hands down. And don’t be embarrassed at all. Sharing these stories helps others.

So glad your all right. And this fishing was good?