Older new flyfisher woman: Hi all! I am new to flyfishing this year and am enjoying it. However, I have discovered that rocks are my nemesis! I have fallen a lot! I am constantly...

Lor Loc: Livermore CA

Hi all! I am new to flyfishing this year and am enjoying it. However, I have discovered that rocks are my nemesis! I have fallen a lot! I am constantly looking for easier to get to places to fish, but Livermore doesn’t have many places that are close enough for a day’s fishing. I have been to Yuba ( too rocky). I enjoyed Stanislaus and Owens Valley. What about San Joaquin?

Lee1947 Loc: Rochester, NY

Hi, I am from NY and in the spring when i am trout fishing i use a walking stick tied to my vest with a caribeaner.It diffinetly helps when crossing streams or just trying to get access to that sweet spot.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Welcome to the Stage Lor. I'm kinda in the same situation. I've never fished the San Joaquin. Most of my fly fishing now is done from a float tube on lakes. Lake Alpine up Ebbett's Pass is a particular favorite. Collins Lake and Scott's Flat Lake are also pretty good and they're both a lot closer to home for me. Float tube is easy to transport, inexpensive and it gets you out on the water. If you've got your mind set on stream fishing, I don't have any help for you.

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

Lor wrote:

Hi all! I am new to flyfishing this year and am enjoying it. However, I have discovered that rocks are my nemesis! I have fallen a lot! I am constantly looking for easier to get to places to fish, but Livermore doesn’t have many places that are close enough for a day’s fishing. I have been to Yuba ( too rocky). I enjoyed Stanislaus and Owens Valley. What about San Joaquin?

Lor.. Welcome to the Stage. I can't help with locations, but have some comments. I do very little wading now due to
Balance issues. Need firm sand or firm pebbles and few rocks and not too much weeds or slime. I always wear a USCG approved pfd and use a walking staff to carefully probe ahead. Oh, to be youthful again. Can't be too cautious as I want to get in some more fishing miles on this earth. Oh yeah, cinch up your waders ( if used ) tightly for to prevent them filling up if (when) you have a mishap. Good Luck.👍🏻

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Lor wrote:

Hi all! I am new to flyfishing this year and am enjoying it. However, I have discovered that rocks are my nemesis! I have fallen a lot! I am constantly looking for easier to get to places to fish, but Livermore doesn’t have many places that are close enough for a day’s fishing. I have been to Yuba ( too rocky). I enjoyed Stanislaus and Owens Valley. What about San Joaquin?

Welcome to the Forum, Lor. It takes a while to learn how to walk on rocks and then as you age you forget how. I'm 78, and I will usually carry a cane, and use it if I'm going to cross rocky rapids. Otherwise, it just hangs on my belt. It took me a couple of tumbles in the rapids to figure this out. But, I'm a slow learner. Good luck.

Gorgeguy Loc: The Dalles, OR

I use Korkers (https://www.amazon.com/korkers-soles/s?k=korkers+soles) the carbite spikes really help grab on the rocks.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

You're not alone with balance issues and rocks causing problems. I too us a wading staff/walking stick when I wade small streams, not just for rocks but branches, and slick spots.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Lor wrote:

Hi all! I am new to flyfishing this year and am enjoying it. However, I have discovered that rocks are my nemesis! I have fallen a lot! I am constantly looking for easier to get to places to fish, but Livermore doesn’t have many places that are close enough for a day’s fishing. I have been to Yuba ( too rocky). I enjoyed Stanislaus and Owens Valley. What about San Joaquin?

Welcome to the Stage Lor, I second Gorgeguy's suggestion. All the surfrats that fish the rock jettys around here swear by Korkers.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Fredfish wrote:

Welcome to the Stage Lor, I second Gorgeguy's suggestion. All the surfrats that fish the rock jettys around here swear by Korkers.

Do you wear these under any old wading boot or shoe, or do you have to have a pair of Korkers?

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Spiritof27 wrote:

Do you wear these under any old wading boot or shoe, or do you have to have a pair of Korkers?

They strap over whatever shoes you're wearing. Or you can buy their own dedicated boots with interchangeable soles. They have Rock grippers, Ice Grippers, Snow Grippers, or Felt soles.

EastTNMtns Loc: Upper East Tennessee

I use Korkers and like them. Here in East TN our creeks are rocky. Felt bottoms work well if your streams allow them. Chech the regulations. Korkers come with quick change bottoms. I never wade without my staff.
Good luck...

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

Gorgeguy wrote:

I use Korkers (https://www.amazon.com/korkers-soles/s?k=korkers+soles) the carbite spikes really help grab on the rocks.

Thanx for post. I'm gonna try em.....

Lor Loc: Livermore CA

I really appreciate your comments! I do use a staff. But I have been wondering about Korkers. My boots feel like clown shoes because of their size… big enough to get the huge stocking foot inside. They make me even clumsier! Awk!

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

You be very careful up there in those streams come spring time and snow melt. They're real pretty to look at but they can be deadly. Now's the time to be up there.