Fly Fishing Watercraft Safety

 

Often when we think about safety in fly fishing it’s limited to what happens when one’s out wading a stream. But floating in a lake, a stream, or a river brings its own challenges to ensure we return to shore safely. This write-up provides a brief primer on the modes of floating, the gear required, and some of the best methods to use to keep you safe and out of danger.

Principle Vehicles for Fly Fishing while Floating

• Float tubes: Fin-propelled, slowed by built-in drag. "Donut" type is backpackable to high lakes, but awkward to enter/exit. "U-Shaped" is heavier and faster, but easier entry/exit and safer
• Pontoons: faster, heavier and carries more gear. It’s warmer and has two ways to propel (fins/oars), plus it’s very safe
• Kayaks: fastest self-propelled craft (paddles/foot-pedals), harder to maneuver when fishing, warmest
• Rafts/Prams/Canoes/Boats: dry/warm, risk of swamping, require oars/paddles/motors, less maneuverable, anchors helpful in the wind

Best Methods to Stay Safe

1. Organize Safety & Personal Gear Before You Go

SAFETY GEAR

PFD - Required by Law	Map, Phone, Walkie-Talkies	Rope in Boat Bag (BB)
Fox Whistle or Air Horn	First Aid Kit & Space Blanket (BB)	Tube Repair Kit in BB
Emergency Beacon for Large, Remote Lakes	Bike Reflectors for Visibility

PERSONAL GEAR

Personal Gear	Sunglasses	Hat (Bright Color)
Cyclist's Clip-On Rearview Mirror	Buff & Sun Gloves	Rain Jacket/Windbreaker
Sunscreen & Lip Balm	Water (More Water) & Snacks

2. When you Arrive

Top off inflatables after placing in the cool water, (which condenses the air, decreasing floatation). Load gear evenly & put on flippers last (they are a tripping hazard, so walk backwards!). Back into water before sitting in your tube or pontoon. Consider using flipper tethers to avoid loss.

3. Fishing Rivers

Float tubes are too perilous for rivers. Dangers when in other craft include being knocked out of the vessel by a branch (sweepers) or being pinned underwater on corners by debris (strainers). Fishing fast rivers in a pontoon, kayak, or canoe requires specialized skills to do safely. Take a course, & fish with someone who knows how to navigate your chosen river.

4. Fishing Lakes/Deltas:

Fish the edges rather than taking a shortcut across big water. On hot days, drink plenty of water, consider taking, V-8, Gatorade or other electrolyte replacement & take breaks to avoid cramps in legs you may need to get back. Check the forecast, note that fog is disorienting. A carbon rod is a great conductor of lightning, fishing should stop if lightening is nearby. Head out to fish in a direction where any wind that comes up will be blowing you home. Leave when the locals leave. Locations with dangerous winds include remote high mountain lakes, Crowley Lake, Pyramid Lake, the Sacramento Delta, and San Luis Reservoir (which has a wind-warning siren). Tell people where you will be fishing and try to fish with a buddy.

Fishing from a watercraft can open new fishing targets -- from smallmouth to striped bass and when done carefully can be even safer than wading a river