FAQs – Equipment

Field Training

Where can I purchase chest waders?

You can purchase chest waders from Canadian Tire, any fly fishing shop across Canada, Cabela’s, or industry suppliers such as Dynamic Aqua Supply (Surrey, BC), IRL Supplies (Prince George, BC), Winners Edge (Lillooet, BC), Surplus Herby’s (Williams Lake, Kamloops, Vernon BC), forestry equipment suppliers across Canada, and other outdoor equipment outfitters.

What is the best or most appropriate type of chest wader?

First, always ensure your chest waders do not leak! You can do this easily by holding a flashlight (or your phone) in your waders in a dark room. Beams of light coming out in small pin holes might indicate a small hole. Patch using Aqua seal or Shoe Goo.  

Neoprene chest waders are appropriate for spring, fall and winter conditions but may be too warm for summer field work. Nylon chest waders and Gore-Tex® or breathable chest waders are excellent choices for most seasons, where crew members wear warm layers (e.g., fleece, polypropylene) underneath during colder field conditions.

What is the best or most appropriate footwear for fisheries field work and backpack electrofishing?

Felt soles can offer stable footing in most types of stream substrates, but may be poor choices when working in areas of extensive clay stream bottoms or snowy banks. Felt soles will provide poor traction on clay and snow will stick to and accumulate on felt-soled wading shoes. Wading shoes with cleats (aluminum or tungsten) will provide stable footing in a variety of substrates (gravels, cobbles, clay, large boulders) and are less likely to transfer invasive species from waterbody to waterbody.

What is the best or most appropriate footwear for backpack electrofishing?

Felt soles can offer stable footing in most types of stream substrates but may be poor choices when working in areas of extensive clay stream bottoms or snowy banks. Felt soles will provide poor traction on clay and snow will stick to and accumulate on felt-soled wading shoes. Wading shoes with cleats (aluminum or tungsten) will provide stable footing in a variety of substrates (gravels, cobbles, clay, large boulders) and are less likely to transfer invasive species from waterbody to waterbody.

What are examples of non-slip footwear?

Examples of non-slip footwear include footwear with rubber, Vibram® soles, cleats.

Do you have a recommendation for a waterproof field notebook?

Yes! Check out Deakin Rite in the Rain Numbered Bound Books.

What is appropriate field clothing?

Clothing that will keep you warm and safe for the duration of your fieldwork. Examples include insulating layers such as wool, waterproof and snow proof materials.

Online Training

What equipment is required?

You will need to provide your own computer or ensure computer access and internet connectivity. Writing utensils and notebooks are recommended, while NRTG will supply you with a course workbook.