Some of my friends consider me a madman when it comes to fording rivers, but I've only gone in once. Experience is the number one thing to have, which only comes with practice. Here's a few others that I use:

1. Absolutely must have felt soles.

2. As I wade, I keep my side to the current, moving one foot forward, then bringing the other up even with it. This keeps the narrowest part of me catching the current, rather than all of me if I were facing up or downstream.

3. This has been mentioned above, but it's important enough to mention again. Deep water and rocks are bad enough, but a log jam below you is an absolute no-no unless you are very confident in the spot and your abilities. If you get stuck in one of those you may not be seen again until spring.

4. I will always choose three feet of slow water over two feet of swift water. The tailout looks easy, but it might be easier ten feet upstream with much less current, even if it is a bit deeper.

5. Remember that rivers around here rise quite rapidly with steady rain. A "close one" on the way in may be a "not a chance" on the way out, leaving you on the opposite side of the river from your rig.

6. Not having partners, or other fishermen or boaters, around should make you extra careful. Having them around should not make you more careless.

7. Belts with neoprenes make a semi-airtight balloon out of you. You can float pretty well. This doesn't mean you should do stupid things, but if something comes up, they're awfully nice to have.

8. Have waders that fit well. A baggy crotch catches a lot of current, as do really baggy legs. Conversely, if they're too tight you can't use your legs to their fullest capacity, reducing balance and leg strength.

9. Boots that fit well have much greater traction that those that are too loose, as your foot will tend to slide around in them more.

10. Wade arm-in-arm with your buddy if it's anything more than an easy crossing. Put the taller guy upstream.

I'm sure there are more, but these come to mind for me.

If you're a parent, don't do anything that you wouldn't want your son or daughter to do!!

Fish on...

Todd.