Quote:
Originally Posted by buckman
Whats the regs on felt soles in Alberta now?
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The only prohibition is within the federal park system.
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/ban.../peche-fishing
It's somewhat silly, as there are so many other possible vectors of transmission and little or no science to show that WD is being transmitted through wading boots. Some US states have even rolled back prior bans (Vermont?).
A number of American states have bans in effect:
https://guiderecommended.com/banned-felt-sole/
(Note: article is somewhat dated and I have not checked on current status)
That said, please clean waders and/or boots after fishing and/or before moving to different streams. A number of "bad" things can be transported in such a way (even invasive species), so it "clean and dry" should be universal protocol.
I tried lug-soled boots and they almost killed me. They are just not suited for fishing on southern Alberta freestone streams - way too slippery. I have some balance issues (from a non-fishing injury) and now use felt + screws and it's the only way I can safely wade like I used to. Further, WD has been found in almost every stream I fish ( Bow, Oldman, and Red Deer watersheds). However, considering that I could transfer another disease or invasive species, I always give a blast with a hose when I get home and dry them.