The ideal picture of the fly fisherman usually includes an angler standing in the waters of a rushing stream while casting to healthy, vigorous trout or smallmouth bass. Some fishermen wade the edges of lakes, stalking fish that lurk in the structure that lines the banks. Wading boots provide sure-footed traction, warmth, and foot protection. However, these boots, especially when felt-soled, are now considered to be one of the primary sources of waterway contamination with didymo, whirling disease, and New Zealand Mud Snails. New equipment, combined with clean fishing practices, can reduce the risk of such contamination.
Didymo, Whirling Disease, and New Zealand Mud Snails on Boots
Didymosphenia germinata, also known as didymo, or rock snot, is a diatom that thrives in warm, shallow water. When didymo grows unchecked, it produces a slimy mat that covers bottom vegetation, making it difficult for fish and other aquatic species to feed. Wading boots can soak up didymo in felt soles, or carry it in seams and laces.
Whirling disease, named for the impaired swimming patterns of affected fish, is a parasite that reduces fish mobility and fertility. This parasite is frequently carried on wading equipment.
New Zealand Mud Snails, a species of small, five-whorled water snail, have been found in Idaho’s Snake River, in Montana’s Madison River, and in Lake Ontario. It is feared that this fast-reproducing snail will upset the food-chain balance of indigenous species and decrease fish populations. Wading boots are a prime suspect in the spread of New Zealand Mud Snails.
Fishing Industry Responds With New Rubber-Sole Wading Boots
In the January/February edition of American Angler magazine, Zack Matthews lists a number of new boot offerings. He writes in his article, “Gear of the Year 2009”, “In five years, we will look back and remember 2009 as the ‘Year Felt Died.’” Cloudveil, Korkers, L.L. Bean, and Simms presented less porous, easier-to-clean boots at the Fly-Fishing Retailer World Trade Expo. Simms has even committed to phasing out felt-soled boots completely by 2010. Fly fishers generally continue to prefer the performance of felt-soled boots to Aquastealth soles. However, some of these manufacturers have developed improved rubber wading soles. The new, rubber-soled models are not yet available in women’s sizes, but perhaps they will soon follow the offerings for men.
Clean Fishing Practices Reduce Chances of Contamination
Anglers can decrease the likelihood of carrying parasites and diseases from waterway to waterway with a few precautionary practices. Mature mud snails are large enough to see, so a quick inspection when the fishing is done should be as automatic as checking for ticks after walking through tall weeds. After each use, waders and boots should be rinsed thoroughly with water, preferably with hot water. Anglers should scrub boot and wader seams to remove any residual mud or debris. Whenever possible, equipment should be allowed to dry completely between uses.
Fly Fishers Are Among Leading Conservationists
Outdoorsmen and women understand the responsibility of caring for the natural environment. Fly fishing organizations and outfitters are among the leaders in responding to the threat of fisheries becoming contaminated by parasites and disease. Careful husbandry of natural resources, including thoughtful selection and maintenance of wading equipment, helps insure that fly fishermen can continue casting to healthy fish in clean water.
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