Wade Fishing With Woo

By Woo Daves

Wade fishing is fun and productive for the hot days of summer. No matter where you live, there are wade fishing streams and creeks that offer shade from the hot sun, usually cool water, and abundant species of fish. Drive backcountry roads in your area, pausing at low water crossings and bridges to ponder the possibilities.

Even if there is not much water there, you might be surprised how many deep pools that hold fish both upstream and downstream. For equipment, go light or ultralight. Small baits that imitate crayfish or grasshoppers are hard to beat.

Wear lightweight shirts with lots of pockets to hold your tackle as well as sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from the July sun. You probably aren’t going to catch big fish so you’re better off releasing them to be caught again.

If you don’t catch fish, you can still take a refreshing dip, skip rocks, or just have fun catching crayfish.

Woo Daves was the 2000 Bassmaster Classic® Champion