Wading Staff

JohnB · 01-02-2003, 07:13 PM

I had the misfortune to break my leg while wading in the McKenzie about a year and a half ago.

The result was the purchase of a wading staff. I bought one of the collapsible ones that I think are used mostly as walking sticks.

This past weekend, with high river flows I decided to use it and it broke in half just at the wrong time/place. Fortunately I didnt fall and made it back to shore. I was so mad I threw it in the trash so now cant even remember the brand name but I paid big $$ for it, $40-50? i think.

So now Im in the market for a new one. I really like the collapsible idea so that I can clip it to my belt when not wading.

Recommendations?
th -j

Pete · 01-02-2003, 07:29 PM

I use a staff, particularly wading the Deschutes, but I made it myself. I found a straight, green alder sapling and trimmed it to about 6 feet. It dried slowly in my garage and has been strong as ... well, strong enough for at least 10 years. I have a rope handle on it and the rope has a 4 foot tail that I tie to my wading belt. What's nice about it is that it floats when I let go of it. Cheap and effective.

fatfish · 01-02-2003, 08:08 PM

I use an aluminum ski pole that I picked up at a garage sale. When I forget it or need a "wading stick" always seem to find what I need on the bank. When I'm done I aways put it next to the site I waded across at for the next guy. Cheers...

LL Bean and Orvis have wading sticks in their fly fishing section-check it out.

Green Machine · 01-02-2003, 08:09 PM

Alder, good choice. I use an Alder staff for work when I'm cruising timber. Once it dries it is very strong, but very light. Floats, that is good, but doesn't seem to draw the moisture back in once it has seasoned. Very cheap. I could hook you up :grin: Nice to use something you made and if you lose it, hey?

Green Machine

rhansme · 01-02-2003, 08:52 PM

I found a dandy one the other day on the river. That beaver did a fine job of removing all the bark and left a nice strong wading stick for me to use. I liked it so much I kept it and threw it in the back of the pickup. I usually just leave em on the bank, but this one was just right....