Jon good one- congrats. I hope you are wearing felt soles and even better if you have felt with cleats or korkers.highly recommended. I also Use a wading staff. Makes a world of difference. I wade that river too- there are plenty of slick ledges and spots. That river grass is a pain in the summer but the smallies hang on it. All of the above is standard mode of operation on the Hous which is also a bitch to wade in certain areas.