Cold Plunge in a Trout Stream

In recent years I have become a big fan of trout fishing in the late winter and early spring months. However, the unique techniques and strategies used to catch these fish are still very foreign to me. Regardless, I have spent the majority of my time in the last few weeks reading up on big buck browns and bows and the thousands of unique ways to catch them. Fortunately for me, I now live in a part of the United States with endless trout fishing opportunities within a two hour car ride of my front door. So this year I have set the goal to make significant strides in the world of trout fishing and hopefully learn a few new ways to catch fish.

My first step was obvious, pick a couple target bodies of water. After using the trout routes app to find a couple local streams in the Northwest part of New Jersey I spent the first two weekends after deer season getting my feet wet, both figuratively and literally. These first two outings were spent aimlessly casting small plastics and crankbaits without even a hint of a bite. Clearly a significant pivot was needed.

First off I needed to downsize, I was throwing small bass rigs and half committing to chasing creek smallmouth. I needed to fully dive into targeting trout and not just dip my toe in the water. This included downsizing baits, line, and weights. Basically the plan was to present as finesse a display as possible. Secondly, I needed to get away from the traffic. I fell victim to the trap of easy access and comfortable walking paths to get to the fishing spots. I needed to apply the same rules I apply to public land deer hunting. This includes finding them steep and deep where no one else likes to go.

With these changes in mind I drove even further west on a cold February morning out to a small stream where I was the only truck in the parking lot, a good sign already. As the snow began coming down I strapped my waders on and began fan casting into the current and working my way downstream.

Most would be shocked to know this seemingly inconspicuous stream could cause me so much trouble.

After carefully working through a particularly swift section of the stream, I set my feet and adjusted my bait for my next cast. I could still see the truck in my peripheral vision when I took one more step too far, and slipped down into a deep hole. As I struggled to regain my balance the current pushed me deeper into the nearly invisible drop off. I stumbled and tripped over the loose rocks I ended up plunging neck deep in the icy water. Straining, now, to barely feel bottom on my tip toes I was bouncing from rock to rock being swept down river by the current. One unlucky bob and I would go fully under and lose my upright positioning, end up on my back, and be swept even faster downstream like a log jam.

The moment I felt the water made it through five layers of clothing my mind began racing and I felt myself losing control of the situation. Panic was beginning to set in and i was frantically looking for a way out of the water. Fortunately I was graced a moment of clarity and I took a deep breath and began insisting to myself over and over in my mind that I could not panic and had to get my composure. The result was almost immediate, my mind slowed and thoughts cleared. It was clear I needed to stay above water so I put my arms out to try to help keep upright and pushed off as hard as I could from each and every rock the tips of my toes could reach. Eventually I was able to slowly move diagonally towards the bank and worked my way back to knee deep water and regained solid footing.

Fifteen minutes after locking the truck and making my first cast I was standing on the side of the river soaking wet and colder than I had ever been in my entire life. Unfortunately the long trip I had planned had already come to an abrupt ending, but it was undoubtedly convenient for my current wet and cold circumstances it was an easy forty yard walk back to the truck. Where there I was able to spread out my soaking wet belongings and head for home in a warm cab, still in shock at my good fortune to walk away from the situation so unscathed.

Overall it was a terrifying situation, but it taught me a lesson that can usually only be learned in much more dire circumstances. It could have been a deeper hole in faster moving water miles away from my vehicle. So, if there was to be a set of conditions perfect for taking an unexpected solo dip in a near frozen river I would argue these were as close to textbook as possible. I got off easy.

Nothing worse than cold wet jeans

With that being said, I know my luck can only get worse from here if I do not heed mother nature's very forward warning. To ensure I am better prepared for these misfortunes going forward I am making the following changes to my operation.

Change 1

Keep a dry pair of clothes and blankets in the truck at all times. I had to ride home in soaking wet pants because they were all I had with me at the time, needless to say it was not a fun experience. Fortunately I had a blanket to wrap around myself when driving home that helped me and kept my seats from getting soaked.

Change 2

In terms of carrying tackle and supplies I am switching from a fanny pack to a dry bag. Previously I had my hunting hip pack thrown over my shoulder like a messenger bag to hold my belongings which led to my phone wallet and keys all being drenched. Something I have done in the past but for some reason switched away from was using a Yeti Sidekick bag fastened to my wader belt when wade fishing. Perfect size for a mobile rig and keeps my phone dry, this gear switch is going to be a nonnegotiable going forward.

Change 3

Something I didn’t even know existed prior to this experience was a wading pole. For those of you like myself who were previously unaware of this product, it is essentially a trekking pole that folds into a small package and deploys quickly. Had I had one of these wading poles with me I could have avoided the hole altogether, and if not there is a good chance I would have kept my balance when I started to get in too deep. There are plenty of cheap collapsible options that fasten to your wader belt, and at the end of the day it seems like a no-brainer safety option I was previously oblivious to.

Change 4

In all temperature conditions going forward I plan on leaving the cotton clothes at home. Fortunately for me I had already limited my cotton garments to my pants and a flannel shirt I was wearing as a base layer. My waterfowl waders had synthetic insulation as well as the synthetic puffer jacket I was wearing over a polyester fleece. Once I was out of the drink and on the bank I immediately warmed up drastically and was close to comfortable. Wool and polyester materials are best for this as they retain heat even when wet. Cotton on the other hand clings to you and continues to drop your core body temperature even after you get out of the water. Not to mention it dries terribly slow.

Change 5

My final change is more of a mental one rather than a gear change. That is, be safe. This may seem obvious but there are many steps you can take that don’t require a single piece of new gear that will keep you safe outside. Whenever I park my truck at the trailhead I share my location with a couple trusted individuals. I also drive with a basic first aid kit, and will be packing one with me on certain trips. The most important bit to keep you safe, far more important than any piece of gear, however, are your actions. In hindsight I should have worked closer to the opposite bank of that creek where I could clearly see the hard bottom, even if that meant back tracking a bit. Instead mistook arrogance for confidence and I learned a hard lesson. It is easy to let your ego lead you into dangerous situations, and fighting those decisions off is easier said than done. Without taking care in each step you take it won’t matter what knickknacks you bring along you still risk serious injury by not taking actions based in sound and humble thought.