On Friday, the Alaska Board of Fisheries approved a state-wide ban on felt soled wading boots to go into effect on January 1st, 2012. While felt provides excellent traction on slippery river rocks, felt is also a prime environment for various invasive species which have devastating impacts on our freshwater fisheries. These aquatic invasive species (AIS) can live for some time in the moist felt and then be transported from one body of water to the next. The transportation of the aquatic invasive species Didymo, New Zealand Mud Snails and Whirling Disease are of special concern.
The felt ban follows a growing trend away from felt within advocacy groups such as Trout Unlimited and the sportsfishing industry. Simms Fishing announced they would stop manufacturing felt soled wading boots this year in favor of their new Vibram StreamTread technology. Korker's is manufacturing wading boots with removable and interchangeable soles, making cleaning felt soles simpler.
Cleaning Your Wading Gear
Felt is just a part of the problem. Aquatic invasive species can hitch a ride all over your wading gear. Using non-felt soles when it is available and safe is a great step to take, however, you should always clean your gear after fishing and in between different bodies of water.
- Thoroughly rinse all your gear. Use hot water if available.
- Use a soft brush to scrub in the seams, laces, and other nooks and crannies of your gear.
- If you have felt soles, soak them in a 2% solution of bleach or 5% solution of saltwater.
- Whenever possible, completely dry your gear.
