Tackle, including fly rods, reels, lines and leaders, are not covered in this course.  There is a separate course for each of these topics.

 


These breathable stocking foot waders are our preferred type.

Waders

Waders are a critical piece of the fly fisher’s equipment.  Their basic purpose is to keep you from getting wet when wading in water.  Waders can be as important as your tackle to the success, effectiveness, comfort and satisfaction of the angling experience.

Waders come in 3 basic styles or types:  (1) "hip waders": with a separate "wader" for each leg (2 individual pieces) that come up short of the waist, and are held up by a belt/strap; (2) "one-piece waist high waders": one piece waders, worn like pants, that come up to or just above the waist and are held up by a belt; (3) "chest waders": one piece waders the top of which come up to the chest area and are held up by suspenders.

The next differentiating feature available with all three waders is the type of foot style: (1) "boot foot", or, (2) "stocking foot".   "Boot foot" means that the boot is an inseparable part of the wader.  The "stocking foot" waders are designed to be worn with a pair of wading boots (or shoes), which are separate from the wader itself.  The boots are worn over the "stocking" feet built-in to the wader.

Another criteria is the fabric/material of which the waders are constructed.  Nylon; "breathable" nylon/substitutes; neoprene (light and heavy gauge); "Gortex" ("breathable"); and newer composite or laminate materials in insulated and uninsulated models, make for a wide range of product, styles and prices.  All will do the job of keeping you dry.  The durability of the wader and the comfort you experience while wearing them are the distinguishing features to which you should pay attention when buying waders.

Our preference for just-starting-out fly fishers (and “pros”) is a chest high stocking foot wader in "breathable" fabric.  This type provides several functional advantages over other styles: they are comfortable because they "breathe"; they give you more freedom of movement, particularly out of the water: i.e., they are easier to walk in; they are generally lighter in weight and more portable; wading boots worn with them provide a more stable, controlled feeling; and, in our opinion, these waders are safer overall than a boot foot style.  They are not overly expensive yet should offer years of reliable service.

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What do I need? . . .Sound travel
To give you an idea as to quantity, cost, etc., for this item, outlined below are very broad guidelines.  The School of FlyFishing has partnership alliances with tackle, clothing and equipment manufacturers, dealers or retailers that enable us to make many products available directly to students.
Quantity: 1 pair (2 when you get rich)
Material: nylon; neoprene; supplex; composites
Size: to fit, but not tightly
Color: suggest earth tone
Cost: $50-$400
Substitutes: "wade wet"
Source: Catalogs: Bass Pro Shop, Cabela's , fly fishing retailers
Mfr.: Red Ball, Hodgman, et al, for resellers

Generally speaking, most fly fishing in the US takes place in the spring and summer months, when the weather is "nice."  It is for this reason, and our experience, that we recommend insulating yourself from the effects of wadefishing in colder water by the use of layering appropriate undergarments, rather than expecting your waders to provide this protection.

Particularly if you are wanting just one pair of waders getting started: it is easier (and less expensive) to "warm up" a pair of light, uninsulated waders for use in colder conditions, than it is to "cool down" a heavy pair of insulated waders when wading in warmer waters or weather.

Many suitable garments are available for wearing under waders to add warmth:  from simple, inexpensive long underwear, in a variety of fabrics, to fleece or pile pants specially-designed for wearing under waders. Your predominant fishing location(s), water temperatures and weather conditions will of course determine to a large extent what is required to provide wading comfort.

Certainly there are excellent waders that are fully capable of providing wading comfort in all temperature ranges.  But unless you are going to be fishing in the late fall or winter months, having just one “lightweight” pair works for most fly fishers.

For emergency streamside repair of punctures or small tears, use of a quick-drying goop, called "Goop", will get you by.  And, if worse comes to worst, duct tape, placed both inside & outside, will get you through the day & beyond.