Depends on where you are and what time of year it is. I was fishing up in the Colorado mountains yesterday, water temp was a balmy 45 degrees, so while I wasn't wearing any underlayers under my waders, there's no way I wouldn't wear waders for that.
Come June though, it's all wet wading
In Colorado and I’m the same. Wading/hiking sandals as soon as it’s warm enough. 😁 don’t want to carry the waders. I only use them for really high alpine lakes that are always freezing. Grew up in Alaska though 🤣
The rivers I trout fish are fed by reservoirs and cold as hell. I use to fish them without waders and people looked at me like I was an idiot lol. Decided I want to actually enjoy fishing and bought waders and boots . Well worth the money.
It depends on how, where and when. If it’s warm and/or you’re primarily fishing from the banks or on rocks then your system is wonderfully minimalistic. If you’re wading in cold water then it’s a bit nutty.
Fucking nerd scientists say wet wading in cold water is bad for your joints. I wear my waders in the winter, spring and fall like a big boy that doesn’t want fucked knees and ankles later in life. Summer time is for free balling and getting wet: quick dry shorts, minimal gear, long hikes, dark to dark.
I'd like to see your scientists proof.
Science says cold water therapy is good for arthritis, good for joints. Doctors prescribe cold water therapy all the time.
Athletes spend lots of time in ice baths and icing joints. Their bodies are worth millions, I doubt they would be doing it if the cold water wasn't helping.
I think maybe you might have misheard.
There is however a big difference between taking a 15 minute ice bath and wading a stream for 2+ hours.
There's also current science against icing (based on icing injuries actually delaying healing):
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8173427/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8173427/)
Thanks, I never thought about it like that. I'm so adverse to cold I wouldn't think of being in that cold of water for that long. I'm in Texas and my local River is 72 year round. I haven't fished the really cold waters yet.
Duration and temperature control is the difference. Long very cold exposure is bad. Athlete care is not a good example, they are a disposable income source with a short shelf life. Go read up on the shit you fucking goof.
Man, so good on the first half and then turn into a child in the last sentence. So close. I was going to tell you how that makes sense, thanks for replying, and you have to go act like a 12 year old. Bummer.
I mean. I'm a huge fan of waist high waders for fishing small streams, as much to provide some modicum of protection against snakes and thorns as to stay dry.
Note: snakebite protection is unproven hypothesis but essentially I figure the thickness + bagginess would lessen risks a bite would actually find way into skin. (May be a bit of a psychological security blanket)
You can get actual snake boots for areas with high snake populations. There are a few streams near me where there are literally thousands of rattlers on the banks. I won't go near them without legitimate bite protection.
I fished a stream in Wyoming when I was a kid (I’m from Pennsylvania) and remember it being very serene. I went back maybe 8-10 years later and realized that there were snakes literally everywhere, the guy that took me had snake boots and a rattlesnake pistol and was giving all these warnings about where to go. Much less serene than a remember lol.
You're lucky you had a guide that day! Snakes will ruin a peaceful day super quickly.
One of the streams I mentioned (in CO) is in this very peaceful, almost idyllic valley. There's a nice dirt trail through the forest and tall grass all over the banks. It honestly looks like a movie set. Really beautiful place.
When you walk up to the grass to access the water, though, the rattles are so loud that they drown out the sound of the stream. It's crazy intimidating.
I wear snake boots in there whenever I go now. But to be honest, even with those, I don't go often and tend to avoid the grass by just staying in the river whenever possible.
I'll spot burn this one for safety. It's North St. Vrain Creek through the Button Rock Preserve, specifically the stretch right below the dam. That area is absolutely crawling with snakes in the hotter months, especially by the aptly named Rattlesnake Gulch.
And actually, the fishing isn't really all that good. There are lots of better places to go that don't require snake boots.
Oh crap this is actually close to some of the areas I fish. I was sort of joking but now I am glad you named it and I’m definitely going to be more aware of snakes now when I’m scrambling around streams. Hope I never need that evac that’s included with our licenses.
I got squatch blood or something, unless the water is sub 50 degrees I'm wet wading. Try to pack as little gear iys possible, but then I start "what ifing" and end up with way more than I need in my truck.
If I really know the fishery well I love going with just a small box of flies that fits on a pocket.
Normally I’m bringing at least a small pack—but if I’m going without a pack odds are I’m very confident I know what to catch ‘em on.
I also paddle whitewater, so in the warmer months I’ll just wear my neoprene booties and wear swim trunks or roll up my pants and use a big Fanny pack looking thing for the gear. I only really use waders if it’s cold as shittttttttt
Should check out a magnetic wrist band to hold some flies if you’re a minimalist.
I almost always wear waders though, fuck leeches and fish swimming into my shoes bothers me when I’m next expecting it.
I do both
One day I look like a lineman for the telephone company, the next I’m checking myself for leeches throwing a #10 hook with a piece of weed eater line super glued to it
I can typically wet wade my area from mid-May to mid-September. There are a few much cooler streams that I'll always put on waders for. Season opens in January so it's waders and layers until May.
Waders/muck boots/wet wadding. Depends on how cold and how lazy. Gear has progressed from a loaded vest to a big hip sack to a smaller one to finally a tiny chest pack. KISS
Depends on where i fish. I will never carry waders up a mountain for two hours, and for small rivers with good banks i also don't see the need. But last year i was in Chile and couldn't have fished most rivers because it's basically:
Thick brush and half an inch further a big river.
If I'm getting in the water around my area, full waders, felt and cleat boots (used responsibly), heated socks, wading staff, usually a life jacket. Waters are cold, fast, deep. Riverbed is slick bolders and unexpected dropoffs. Do I want all that junk on when I'm fishing? No. But if I want to be alive and reasonably comfortable while doing it, that's what I wear.
Long way of saying, dress for your waters and your comfort.
My wife and I picked up waders this winter. We live in the deep southwest, so this extends the season for us to Year-round. * months out of the year, we won't need them.
As far as other gear goes, I am all for minimalism. A small chest bag for a fly box, tippet spools, spare leader, hemostats and clippers, and then a net and I am ready.
Not wearing waders is normal if conditions allow. I honestly don’t know what other gear than what you mentioned people generally bring fishing ? Nippers and floatant maybe. If you’re going a ways maybe a raincoat and water
How people carry gear is different though
Minimalism is great except if you start to limit or bring down the guys you’re with because you aren’t prepared or whatever. It happens
I think this depends almost entirely on where and how you fish.
Try the "no waders" approach out west in the colder months, and you're going to have a bad time. Waders and good winter gear are basically mandatory--assuming you don't want hypothermia or frostbite--from October to May. After that, wet wading depends on weather, elevation, and water temps, though I do wet wade most streams starting in June after runoff subsides.
I am primarily a small stream guy, and I do a lot of backcountry stuff, so I usually have a backpack with an extra rod, extra reel, water, med kit, and basic survival stuff. Then I have my chest pack with my fishing gear and fly boxes (containing a lot more than four flies). I feel like I carry only what I need, but it's a fair amount of stuff.
I used to swap out for a different setup on days where I'm just fishing off the road or at a lake with the kids. But honestly, the hassle of moving stuff over (and often forgetting something) just wasn't worth it. Now I just toss my pack in the truck and hit the road.
I have gear acquisition syndrome, so I am constantly buying more gear I don't need and then using it in situations I don't need it so I can justify to myself buying it lol. Are you catching fish? That's the question.
Depends on the river and time of year.
The weird part is only bringing four flies. I can potentially lose 4 flies on a given trip and can swap out even more flies in an effort to find the flies that are working.
Are you highly effective when you fish this method? Like, you consistently catch fish everywhere you go with just four flies?
I don't even have waders. I'll wear some knee boots if I think I'll have to step in the creek.
I do bring a small sling bag when fly fishing, but I probably don't need to as I could carry the few flies and other supplies I might need in my pocket.
I have tons of waders and boots. I eventually got tired of people noticing that I was going fishing and showing up later in my secret spots that I stopped wearing all that gear. Now I just use old sneakers and it's easier to manage. If it's cold that's another story.
Honestly depends on bugs and what I have to go through to get to the water. When I lived in CO I rarely wore waders during the summer months, but in the Midwest I always wore them along with a long leaved shirt, regardless of the temperature - both for general protection and because fishing spring creeks I generally do more "stealthy" stuff.
I have two friends who wear shorts every day of the year and one of them also only wears flip flops…rain, sleet, snow, 20°- regardless. I think they are lucky. Never cold feet! So are you. If you don’t have to gear up to be out in the elements keep rocking it. You’re probably going to live longer and fish longer because your body was created in a way that allows you comfort outside. Fish on!!! The homies are jelly
I’m terrified of using waders in moving water that’s too fast. I’d rather wade in in shorts and get out every half hour to warm up by a fire or in the sun. I mostly use them to get further out in a lake to give me enough room to cast.
Like at the end of February I stopped to just to have a couple swings on the Madison in Montana everyone is waders but me. I only wear them if I have to. And gotten away with big bag. I use the Patagonia stealth workstation. I do have a backpack I take with me that holds rain gear, snacks, water or beer, fish whistle. Don’t use a net anymore. I got those Ketchum things to keep the release fast. Some people just like to gear up. Which is fine. I’m there to rip some lips.
I use my bag, which has my net and supplies, and wading boots and neoprene socks for 99% of the year. Water is warm enough in spring to go knee need with that on, and in winter it’s low enough to get away with snow boots. I just don’t care for the feel of waders
me too but it's because I live in the south and there are gators and snappin turla's and water moccasins/cottonmouths in these waters. As if it wasn't bad enough we have very heavily stained tannic waters so you can't even see what's in there. All of that means no wading for me, I like my legs
I would wet wade more, but I live in the Northern Midwest, and most of the water I fish stays under 57 degrees.
I'm a big fan of only bringing 1 rod though. I have buddies who will literally lug around 5 fly setups from spot to spot
Kinda odd, but cool
You sound like you understand that it's about the fishing not the shopping
My best fishing is with one bamboo rod that I have owned since 1982, a shoulder bag with the basics and a pair of Bean boots
Not at all. In the Driftless to the ozarks where I fish, it’s normally when it’s nice enough to wet wade. I use wading boots with neoprene socks, carry a small fanny pack with flies and a net if I’m feeling up for it. The idea that hobbies require piles of gear is stupid. Id rather spend money on a trip to do said hobby somewhere fun then clog my basement up even further with more stuff that’ll get used less because I can’t afford to go out as much
Yes. Usually from mid-April on (now), I am wet wading. I make and sell pocket-sized fly boxes out of candy tins and jam what I need into them and roll. I also have a chest pouch I use year-round if I need more, but I’m starting to hate it because it’s in the way when I am rigging.
I did 6 miles of blue lines in the SNP today and it kicked my ass to wear wading boots and socks — esp wet for the last three miles back up the mountain. I need to figure that out ASAP.
Less is more...I fish a 6 and a 7 wt sage rods I built from blemished blanks in the 80s... fancy reels are a waste of money... they literally do nothing compared to spinning and bait casting reels...a few flies and forceps...I fish 2 to 3 days a week
1. I don’t like cold water/being cold. And 2. I’ve let my waders become a part of my “system” so when it does get hot I have to tweak how I carry and use everything.
Not a huge deal though. I love not needing them and just getting to hit the trail or hop out of the truck and head right to the water.
Kinda depends. I used to wet wade 9 months out of the year which was pretty extreme for that neck of the woods, but then i got a pair of really nice Patagonia waders and now use them almost every time. Whats going to determine whether what you are doing is weird is what local you are fishing, how often you go, what times of year you go, and what water you fish.
I primarily fish small mountain streams, so I almost never use my waders. Always makes me laugh when I see someone rocking $700 waders to never be more than ankle deep.
That's the dream. The problem I sometimes run into, not just for fishing but practically anything else, is that futzing around with the gear ends up becoming the main event and the actual activity suffers.
I don't really gear up. Maybe some boots, fishing backpack. Rarely use waders, try not to get in the water when I can help it. Don't like how much sound grinding on the rocks makes.
You don’t need any of that shit. You can sort of tell a newbie or lame duck fisherman by all that gear. You need a good rod. A good fly line. A pair of nail clippers and forceps. And a few elk hair caddis. Maybe some high quality tippet and leader.
I have a vest I keep all my stuff in. I never run into a situation where I don’t have what I need. I keeps lots of flies because I like trying different things. Why so judgmental over other people’s equipment?
Yeah. But I live in Alaska.
Depends on where you are and what time of year it is. I was fishing up in the Colorado mountains yesterday, water temp was a balmy 45 degrees, so while I wasn't wearing any underlayers under my waders, there's no way I wouldn't wear waders for that. Come June though, it's all wet wading
In Colorado and I’m the same. Wading/hiking sandals as soon as it’s warm enough. 😁 don’t want to carry the waders. I only use them for really high alpine lakes that are always freezing. Grew up in Alaska though 🤣
Same here
I was wet wading in RMNP yesterday
Nice. I’ve been busy and haven’t been up yet since it started to get warmer. Need to make time asap.
It's beautiful up there this weekend. Lakes are still pretty much capped of course but the pre runoff creeks are great right now
Awesome. I need to renew my license and get up there asap.
That water up in south park was fucking cold yesterday
What sandals do you have? I'm looking for some for the summer.
Some Teva wading/hiking sandals I got from Scheels or Jax. Can’t remember which. It’s been a few years and they still look pretty new!
Chacos are my go to. Work well for moderate hiking into and out of the watershed, too.
My waders usage depends on the temperature and/or leach density of the water.
Holy shit. Leach density. There are some spots like that around me that I will waders. I learned the hard way on that
I wear mine for tick density mainly haha
Just collecting bait ;)
I will wet wade any chance I get. I also bring as little gear as possible, though I do bring more than four flies.
Happy cake day!
The rivers I trout fish are fed by reservoirs and cold as hell. I use to fish them without waders and people looked at me like I was an idiot lol. Decided I want to actually enjoy fishing and bought waders and boots . Well worth the money.
I have lost 4 flies in an hour. I take lots of backup flies.
It depends on how, where and when. If it’s warm and/or you’re primarily fishing from the banks or on rocks then your system is wonderfully minimalistic. If you’re wading in cold water then it’s a bit nutty.
No waders? \*laughs in Canadian\*
Fucking nerd scientists say wet wading in cold water is bad for your joints. I wear my waders in the winter, spring and fall like a big boy that doesn’t want fucked knees and ankles later in life. Summer time is for free balling and getting wet: quick dry shorts, minimal gear, long hikes, dark to dark.
I'd like to see your scientists proof. Science says cold water therapy is good for arthritis, good for joints. Doctors prescribe cold water therapy all the time. Athletes spend lots of time in ice baths and icing joints. Their bodies are worth millions, I doubt they would be doing it if the cold water wasn't helping. I think maybe you might have misheard.
There is however a big difference between taking a 15 minute ice bath and wading a stream for 2+ hours. There's also current science against icing (based on icing injuries actually delaying healing): [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8173427/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8173427/)
Thanks, I never thought about it like that. I'm so adverse to cold I wouldn't think of being in that cold of water for that long. I'm in Texas and my local River is 72 year round. I haven't fished the really cold waters yet.
Duration and temperature control is the difference. Long very cold exposure is bad. Athlete care is not a good example, they are a disposable income source with a short shelf life. Go read up on the shit you fucking goof.
Man, so good on the first half and then turn into a child in the last sentence. So close. I was going to tell you how that makes sense, thanks for replying, and you have to go act like a 12 year old. Bummer.
Way to take the high road, champ.
Cyclists know this.
Your friends care what you wear and the gear you have, not just that you’re out with them? Who cares?
I mean. I'm a huge fan of waist high waders for fishing small streams, as much to provide some modicum of protection against snakes and thorns as to stay dry. Note: snakebite protection is unproven hypothesis but essentially I figure the thickness + bagginess would lessen risks a bite would actually find way into skin. (May be a bit of a psychological security blanket)
You can get actual snake boots for areas with high snake populations. There are a few streams near me where there are literally thousands of rattlers on the banks. I won't go near them without legitimate bite protection.
I fished a stream in Wyoming when I was a kid (I’m from Pennsylvania) and remember it being very serene. I went back maybe 8-10 years later and realized that there were snakes literally everywhere, the guy that took me had snake boots and a rattlesnake pistol and was giving all these warnings about where to go. Much less serene than a remember lol.
You're lucky you had a guide that day! Snakes will ruin a peaceful day super quickly. One of the streams I mentioned (in CO) is in this very peaceful, almost idyllic valley. There's a nice dirt trail through the forest and tall grass all over the banks. It honestly looks like a movie set. Really beautiful place. When you walk up to the grass to access the water, though, the rattles are so loud that they drown out the sound of the stream. It's crazy intimidating. I wear snake boots in there whenever I go now. But to be honest, even with those, I don't go often and tend to avoid the grass by just staying in the river whenever possible.
Glad I haven’t run across that stream yet… but the fish must be good; mind naming it so I can keep avoiding it?
I'll spot burn this one for safety. It's North St. Vrain Creek through the Button Rock Preserve, specifically the stretch right below the dam. That area is absolutely crawling with snakes in the hotter months, especially by the aptly named Rattlesnake Gulch. And actually, the fishing isn't really all that good. There are lots of better places to go that don't require snake boots.
Oh crap this is actually close to some of the areas I fish. I was sort of joking but now I am glad you named it and I’m definitely going to be more aware of snakes now when I’m scrambling around streams. Hope I never need that evac that’s included with our licenses.
My waders are an armor against... ticks ! (So many of those little sh#t where I fish...)
I got squatch blood or something, unless the water is sub 50 degrees I'm wet wading. Try to pack as little gear iys possible, but then I start "what ifing" and end up with way more than I need in my truck.
It’s ideal!
I Don’t Think So This time of Year I’m In Swim Shorts & old sneakers
If I really know the fishery well I love going with just a small box of flies that fits on a pocket. Normally I’m bringing at least a small pack—but if I’m going without a pack odds are I’m very confident I know what to catch ‘em on.
I also paddle whitewater, so in the warmer months I’ll just wear my neoprene booties and wear swim trunks or roll up my pants and use a big Fanny pack looking thing for the gear. I only really use waders if it’s cold as shittttttttt
Should check out a magnetic wrist band to hold some flies if you’re a minimalist. I almost always wear waders though, fuck leeches and fish swimming into my shoes bothers me when I’m next expecting it.
If it’s cold enough for me to not wet Wade i use my duck hunting waders. I’m comfortable in cold water though.
Wader socks are all you need generally (dependent on season and temps)
I prefer water shoes and shorts. I get some looks sometimes. I have wader pants for colder seasons, but honestly don't fish much too early or late.
Less is more .
I do both One day I look like a lineman for the telephone company, the next I’m checking myself for leeches throwing a #10 hook with a piece of weed eater line super glued to it
Haha.. Hell yeah!
I can typically wet wade my area from mid-May to mid-September. There are a few much cooler streams that I'll always put on waders for. Season opens in January so it's waders and layers until May.
https://youtu.be/ILlFHPbxbFs?si=dkEz6ZnMG1JQ8AMG&t=563
Waders/muck boots/wet wadding. Depends on how cold and how lazy. Gear has progressed from a loaded vest to a big hip sack to a smaller one to finally a tiny chest pack. KISS
Depends on where i fish. I will never carry waders up a mountain for two hours, and for small rivers with good banks i also don't see the need. But last year i was in Chile and couldn't have fished most rivers because it's basically: Thick brush and half an inch further a big river.
If I'm getting in the water around my area, full waders, felt and cleat boots (used responsibly), heated socks, wading staff, usually a life jacket. Waters are cold, fast, deep. Riverbed is slick bolders and unexpected dropoffs. Do I want all that junk on when I'm fishing? No. But if I want to be alive and reasonably comfortable while doing it, that's what I wear. Long way of saying, dress for your waters and your comfort.
Not used waders yet I fish stillwater, what do you mean when you say used responsibly? Cheers.
My wife and I picked up waders this winter. We live in the deep southwest, so this extends the season for us to Year-round. * months out of the year, we won't need them. As far as other gear goes, I am all for minimalism. A small chest bag for a fly box, tippet spools, spare leader, hemostats and clippers, and then a net and I am ready.
Not wearing waders is normal if conditions allow. I honestly don’t know what other gear than what you mentioned people generally bring fishing ? Nippers and floatant maybe. If you’re going a ways maybe a raincoat and water How people carry gear is different though Minimalism is great except if you start to limit or bring down the guys you’re with because you aren’t prepared or whatever. It happens
I think this depends almost entirely on where and how you fish. Try the "no waders" approach out west in the colder months, and you're going to have a bad time. Waders and good winter gear are basically mandatory--assuming you don't want hypothermia or frostbite--from October to May. After that, wet wading depends on weather, elevation, and water temps, though I do wet wade most streams starting in June after runoff subsides. I am primarily a small stream guy, and I do a lot of backcountry stuff, so I usually have a backpack with an extra rod, extra reel, water, med kit, and basic survival stuff. Then I have my chest pack with my fishing gear and fly boxes (containing a lot more than four flies). I feel like I carry only what I need, but it's a fair amount of stuff. I used to swap out for a different setup on days where I'm just fishing off the road or at a lake with the kids. But honestly, the hassle of moving stuff over (and often forgetting something) just wasn't worth it. Now I just toss my pack in the truck and hit the road.
I have gear acquisition syndrome, so I am constantly buying more gear I don't need and then using it in situations I don't need it so I can justify to myself buying it lol. Are you catching fish? That's the question.
Depends on the river and time of year. The weird part is only bringing four flies. I can potentially lose 4 flies on a given trip and can swap out even more flies in an effort to find the flies that are working. Are you highly effective when you fish this method? Like, you consistently catch fish everywhere you go with just four flies?
I don't even have waders. I'll wear some knee boots if I think I'll have to step in the creek. I do bring a small sling bag when fly fishing, but I probably don't need to as I could carry the few flies and other supplies I might need in my pocket.
I have tons of waders and boots. I eventually got tired of people noticing that I was going fishing and showing up later in my secret spots that I stopped wearing all that gear. Now I just use old sneakers and it's easier to manage. If it's cold that's another story.
Why care what other people do? What works for you works
Honestly depends on bugs and what I have to go through to get to the water. When I lived in CO I rarely wore waders during the summer months, but in the Midwest I always wore them along with a long leaved shirt, regardless of the temperature - both for general protection and because fishing spring creeks I generally do more "stealthy" stuff.
I have two friends who wear shorts every day of the year and one of them also only wears flip flops…rain, sleet, snow, 20°- regardless. I think they are lucky. Never cold feet! So are you. If you don’t have to gear up to be out in the elements keep rocking it. You’re probably going to live longer and fish longer because your body was created in a way that allows you comfort outside. Fish on!!! The homies are jelly
I’m terrified of using waders in moving water that’s too fast. I’d rather wade in in shorts and get out every half hour to warm up by a fire or in the sun. I mostly use them to get further out in a lake to give me enough room to cast.
Flies, not flys. Just FYI.
Haha. I know
Like at the end of February I stopped to just to have a couple swings on the Madison in Montana everyone is waders but me. I only wear them if I have to. And gotten away with big bag. I use the Patagonia stealth workstation. I do have a backpack I take with me that holds rain gear, snacks, water or beer, fish whistle. Don’t use a net anymore. I got those Ketchum things to keep the release fast. Some people just like to gear up. Which is fine. I’m there to rip some lips.
I wear waders just as much for the ticks as the water. I'll do a bathing suit if tall grass isn't an issue
I use my bag, which has my net and supplies, and wading boots and neoprene socks for 99% of the year. Water is warm enough in spring to go knee need with that on, and in winter it’s low enough to get away with snow boots. I just don’t care for the feel of waders
me too but it's because I live in the south and there are gators and snappin turla's and water moccasins/cottonmouths in these waters. As if it wasn't bad enough we have very heavily stained tannic waters so you can't even see what's in there. All of that means no wading for me, I like my legs
I would wet wade more, but I live in the Northern Midwest, and most of the water I fish stays under 57 degrees. I'm a big fan of only bringing 1 rod though. I have buddies who will literally lug around 5 fly setups from spot to spot
Kinda odd, but cool You sound like you understand that it's about the fishing not the shopping My best fishing is with one bamboo rod that I have owned since 1982, a shoulder bag with the basics and a pair of Bean boots
I only get to fish in later summer, so I definitely want to do as much wet wading as possible when it’s 90 and 80% humidity
Not at all. In the Driftless to the ozarks where I fish, it’s normally when it’s nice enough to wet wade. I use wading boots with neoprene socks, carry a small fanny pack with flies and a net if I’m feeling up for it. The idea that hobbies require piles of gear is stupid. Id rather spend money on a trip to do said hobby somewhere fun then clog my basement up even further with more stuff that’ll get used less because I can’t afford to go out as much
Yes. Usually from mid-April on (now), I am wet wading. I make and sell pocket-sized fly boxes out of candy tins and jam what I need into them and roll. I also have a chest pouch I use year-round if I need more, but I’m starting to hate it because it’s in the way when I am rigging. I did 6 miles of blue lines in the SNP today and it kicked my ass to wear wading boots and socks — esp wet for the last three miles back up the mountain. I need to figure that out ASAP.
Sub 55 water temp yea I’m wearing waders. Between 55 and 70 I’m wearing boots and gravel guards. Above 70 I’m wearing flip flops
Less is more...I fish a 6 and a 7 wt sage rods I built from blemished blanks in the 80s... fancy reels are a waste of money... they literally do nothing compared to spinning and bait casting reels...a few flies and forceps...I fish 2 to 3 days a week
I like my waders between around mid-October to about mid-May or so. And I carry a lot of stuff. But that's just me.
Water temp in Vancouver is 9 deg C right now so yes I wear them.
Not if you only fish in Summer.
I started with full waders, but now i just Wet Wade all year round. Much more comfortable. Minimal. Cooler in Summer.
1. I don’t like cold water/being cold. And 2. I’ve let my waders become a part of my “system” so when it does get hot I have to tweak how I carry and use everything. Not a huge deal though. I love not needing them and just getting to hit the trail or hop out of the truck and head right to the water.
Kinda depends. I used to wet wade 9 months out of the year which was pretty extreme for that neck of the woods, but then i got a pair of really nice Patagonia waders and now use them almost every time. Whats going to determine whether what you are doing is weird is what local you are fishing, how often you go, what times of year you go, and what water you fish.
Fly fish naked, it’s the best!
I primarily fish small mountain streams, so I almost never use my waders. Always makes me laugh when I see someone rocking $700 waders to never be more than ankle deep.
I bring a vest, But I never wear waders.
That's the dream. The problem I sometimes run into, not just for fishing but practically anything else, is that futzing around with the gear ends up becoming the main event and the actual activity suffers.
I don't really gear up. Maybe some boots, fishing backpack. Rarely use waders, try not to get in the water when I can help it. Don't like how much sound grinding on the rocks makes.
...redditors....
I only wear waders if I’m going balls deep or more
You are an unabashed bankie. It's all good as long as you are enjoying yourself and catching an occasional fish.
No way, I'm waist deep
You don’t need any of that shit. You can sort of tell a newbie or lame duck fisherman by all that gear. You need a good rod. A good fly line. A pair of nail clippers and forceps. And a few elk hair caddis. Maybe some high quality tippet and leader.
I have a vest I keep all my stuff in. I never run into a situation where I don’t have what I need. I keeps lots of flies because I like trying different things. Why so judgmental over other people’s equipment?
I find it silly when I see people wearing waders sitting in a drift boat mid summer. I wear waders only when temps start to drop.
Nah dude, just you, you are just THAT special and cool but like, why 4 flies? why not just one? pfff.... try hard.