Lets have the felt sole discussion!

**72Twenty** · 01-13-2008, 04:55 PM

Well, I have some felt sole wading shoes. I know all the problems felt soles can cause, however so far I have only used these boots in one area - my local river and the local lakes that are part of the same river system.

Now, venturing outside of my area, I would usually be fishing in the N. Platte, which my local river flows directly into.

Beyond that, I would be fishing in a few other rivers that also flow into the N. Platte, but I also fish the Wind River that turns into the Big Horn River in Montana, as well as the Snake River and Teton River over in Driggs/JH (Pacific watershed).

Obviously using these boots exclusively in my local area is not a big problem, but how far away can I go before I should be concerned and/or should not use them?

**lobstahmeatwad** · 01-13-2008, 05:08 PM

I was under the impression that as long as you wash them well. We are OK.
Environmental perspective is what you are referring to?

**khakis** · 01-13-2008, 06:56 PM

New Zealand Mud Snails, et al?
http://www.westdenvertu.org/snails.htm
looks like felt may not be recommended but my lug-soled waders suck, so I'll definitely have some stockingfoot and felt soled boots this spring, will just have to make sure and clean them well as recommended, maybe even soak the felt soles in the solution overnight, then rinse really well.

**72Twenty** · 01-13-2008, 10:46 PM

Yeah, I just see all these articles and letters about the subject in the magazines. I just wondered what you guys though about it - and what steps you take to eliminate/reduce the carrying of the "fuglies" from water to water.

**fez** · 01-13-2008, 11:09 PM

i have Korkers, i just pull the felt soles and soak them in weak bleach solution for a day or two after fishing. if im going to be changing rivers before my boots get a chance to fully dry, i'll soak the whole boot.

**schwerty** · 01-14-2008, 08:54 AM

I use a bleach/water solution also. I soak my boots for a few hours, a quick rinse and air dry. As for what I've heard that's sufficient. Washing your waders is also a good practice to get into! Not sure if I do it enough but I normally try and give them thorough cleaning, (outside --- wouldn't want that foot funk/wader fart stench to go away!

), after every couple of uses and always before and after I leave the home waters.

72Twenty - I'd go to your local G&F office and ask the "how far can I go" question. Be sure to ask about noxious weeds within your local waters as well. Hope they don't give you some runaround bullshit.... Your local fly shop should have a pretty good idea also.

**steved** · 02-17-2008, 10:16 AM

Good ideas schwerty....
thanks...

**ak_powder_monkey** · 02-17-2008, 06:14 PM

lug sole wading boots don't suck balls on mud, logs, dry rocks etc. If only they made them with vibram soles because they kill felt soles on wet rocks as well.

**fez** · 02-18-2008, 02:11 PM

i have aqua-stealth and felt for my korkers. use the aqua stealth if im planning on humping in and walking a long distance. felt for boats and short walks.

**Lumpy** · 02-19-2008, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by ak_powder_monkey

lug sole wading boots don't suck balls on mud, logs, dry rocks etc. If only they made them with vibram soles because they kill felt soles on wet rocks as well.

Not applicable outside of Alaska. Your rocks are different than ours.

If you do come down here, make sure you wash ALL your clothes well (fishing skiing, general day use stuff). We don't wan't any Spenard Hair Crabs or any other alien species associated with that part of town threatening our eco or social systems.

**Jax** · 03-01-2008, 01:10 PM

Is the risk of transmission diminished if the soles are allowed to dry before the next outing?

How long should I soak them in bleach or will a bleach solution/scrub-down suffice?

**fez** · 03-01-2008, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Jax

Is the risk of transmission diminished if the soles are allowed to dry before the next outing?

How long should I soak them in bleach or will a bleach solution/scrub-down suffice?

diminshed yes, eliminated no.

a soak is necessary, but DO NOT use straight bleach it will ruin your boots. i put a couple ounces bleach in a 5 gal bucket, start filling with water and toss the boots in when it gets about half full. it's probably still too strong a solution, but im too lazy to measure.

i usually leave them in over night.

if im going to fish multiple days in a row, and not planning on changing rivers, ill skip the soak.