Fly Fishing Waders. Get In and Stay Dry.

Compare the Differences in
Fishing Waders.

Picture fly fishing. The scene that usually comes to mind is a man waste deep in fishing waders and a vest in the middle of a scenic stream, all alone, casting looping casts.

More times than not if I’m stream fishing - I’m in the water wading. It allows me to get to a better spot to cast to the fish.

Throughout most of the summer I prefer to wet wade (wade without any waders or hip boots). But in the early spring and late fall when the water and weather is chilly, a good set of chest high fishing waders keeps me dry and warm.

Before you go out and grab the first pair of waders you find there are some things to keep in mind.

Neoprene Waders vs. Breathable Waders

The first thing to keep in mind when buying a set of fishing waders is what type of material to choose from. Most waders on the market today are made of neoprene or some type of breathable material like Gore-Tex.

Neoprene waders are made of material similar to a scuba diver’s wetsuit except they are waterproof. They are more durable than breathable waders and can withstand a lot of brush.

If you plan on fishing in cold weather neoprenes will keep you warmer than any other wader material. The downside to this is that when the weather starts to warm up neoprene waders can become hot and uncomfortable.

My first set of fishing waders was a set of neoprene waders when I was stationed in Alaska fishing Ship Creek and the Russian River for salmon. That water was frigid, no matter what the season.

Now that I’m back home I mainly fish for smallmouth on the stream near my house. The water temperature is usually pretty warm and my next set of waders will be breathable waders.

Breathable waders are meant to keep you dry and have an added bonus of allowing moisture to escape on hot days. If the weather is chilly I can add some layers of clothing underneath to help keep me warm.

Breathable waders are not as durable as neoprenes because they are generally made out of thinner material. You will want to take special care around brush and when hiking to your fishing hole to keep from ripping a hole in them.

Boot Foot vs. Stocking Foot

Another consideration is which type of boot to get for your wader. Waders come in two different styles when it comes to this, boot foot and stocking foot.

Boot foot waders already have boots built into them. They are easier to get on than stocking foot waders but fit more loosely. This can be a problem because they offer little ankle support and can tire you out quickly when walking in them.

Stocking foot waders look like a pair of kid’s pajamas. They look like a sock at the end. For these you will need to buy a separate pair of wading boots to fit over your fishing waders similar to hiking boots.

A separate pair of wading boots can be more of a hassle to put on than boot foot waders but they will offer more ankle support. This will allow you to be more surefooted in the water. When wading for smallmouth, that are a lot of times found in the rocky parts of the stream, this added support is important to keep from rolling your ankle.

Boot Soles

Whether you choose boot foot waders or decide to get a separate pair of wading boots for your stocking foot waders the next thing you’re going to need to decide is the type of sole to choose.

Rubber or lug soles offer good traction on muddy streambeds. Other than that they offer little traction on other surfaces and are a poor choice for fast moving water. Although they are generally cheaper than other boot soles, I suggest investing a few extra bucks for a good pair of felt soled boots.

Felt soled boots offer more traction than rubber soles and can safely be worn in moderately fast moving water.

For added traction on rocky bottoms you can get studded felt soles. The downside to these is you will not want to where them in boats as they can ruin the boat floor. Some companies offer screw in studs that can be removed when the extra traction isn’t needed.

Fit

When choosing a size for fishing waders, it is usually best to go to a shop where you can first try them on before you buy them.

Make sure that you have enough room to climb over obstacles or squat comfortably. Neoprenes will fit a little snugger than breathables because the material is stretchy. In general too loose is better than too tight.

Wading shoes, when bought separate from stocking foot fishing waders, are sold according to shoe size. Take your normal shoe size and go at least a size larger. This will allow room to fit over your waders. If you choose to wet wade in them buy a pair of neoprene socks so they will still fit without the waders.

Wading Accessories

One time, when I was fishing with a buddy on Ship Creek in Alaska, I was fighting a fish and stepped into deeper, swifter water. Before I knew it I had lost my footing and the only thing that stayed above water was my rod and reel where I managed to hold it up.

When I finally managed to regain my footing I resurfaced to people along the banks laughing, cheering, and clapping at the spectacle. I tried to continue fighting the salmon but he eventually snapped my leader and got away.

My buddy, trying not to laugh, asked if I was ready to go. My waders were almost instantly filled with icy, cold water the second I went under. I at first told him no because I didn’t want to ruin his day after only being fishing for about an hour or so but within fifteen minutes had changed my mind. The day was a bust.

If I had a wading belt I doubt I would have been able to handle the little bit of cold water that made it through to my feet but it sure would have helped.

If the fishing waders you decide on don’t come with a wading belt, buy a separate one. Not only will it help keep you dryer should you happen to end up like me but you can roll the chest section of your waders down on hot days to stay more comfortable.

Another accessory to keep in mind is a wading staff. When wading out to unsure waters to get your spot this can be an extra leg to walk on.

Many times I simply use a large stick if I feel I need the extra support but there are commercially sold wading staffs. Most will fold up neatly enough that you can put them in a large pocket on the back of your vest or hook them to your belt with a lanyard.

Hopefully this article has helped you decide what type of fishing waders you will need. When wading, it is important to use common sense and be safe. No fish is worth drowning over. So always wear some type of personal floatation device when wading in larger streams.

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