YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK BANS FELT SOLED WADING BOOTS

In YNP these are now Verboten!!!

Yellowstone NP recently announced when the season opens May 26, 2018 felt soles are no longer legal. And, in case you wondered how serious, violations can result in a fine of $5000 and up to 6 months in the slammer.

There is no ban on felt soles in the surrounding states: Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. But the spread of invasive species is real so please heed the following:

Things you can do to prevent the spread of invasive species on your boots:
• Wash your felt wading boots with a bleach/water mixture after each trip.
• Allow felt waders or boots to dry entirely, this should kill most waterborne invasive species
• Buy a rubber sole and replace your felt boots

In my experience (I wear both) rubber soles are no where near as good for wading slippery rivers such as the Big Hole and Madison. But they are way more comfortable for hiking and work pretty well for less rocky rivers such as the Beaverhead and Ruby.

• So on the plus side rubber-soled boots pose less of health hazard to our rivers. But even with studs they don’t grip river rocks as well as felt.

• But rubber is way better than felt for hiking.  And on ice and snow, rubber rules...Period.
Still, most of us give high marks to felt for its superior traction. And I would imagine just as many of scoff at the idea that felt is really the culprit in the first beginning. Siting how many brands which removed felt from their catalogs have now reversed course. 

In my opinion anyone who tells you steel-studded rubber soles are superior to felt soles is either lying or didn’t understand the question. But...

But there are a couple solutions...

Patagonia features a line of boots which feature aluminum bars in lieu of steel  studs.  Like rubber vs. felt, the traction suppled by aluminum over steel is off the charts. Aluminum sticks to rocks like super glue sticks your fingers together...OK so I exaggerate but you get my drift...Right? Patagonia also makes a strap on sandal which features aluminum bars.

In case you are wondering:

• I don’t own either product, but I do have guide buddies who swear by them. 
• I am not affiliated with Patagonia in any way. 

Bottom line: If you plan to fish Yellowstone either deal with it, ditch the felt, or be sure to pack extra cash.