Wet Wading Equipment & Tips

When I started fly fishing in 1972, all of my family wet waded. As a young family raising 4 children my Dad did not have the funds to outfit us all with high end waders. We ran cut off Levi's, and the Converse high tops "sportsman" model, which were olive drab in color and featured felt on the bottom sole. My Dad even fished for steelhead in the cooler months with this outfit, but quickly learned that being cold and wet sucks.

It's that time of the year where my waders are hung up, and I look forward to rock hopping and guiding my guests on the North Fork Yuba River. When it's Africa hot, there is nothing like wet wading in the cool water. The products below have been tested on hundreds of trips, but personal preference is still a major part of choosing which name brand you desire.

I prefer to wear light weight quick dry pants instead of shorts. You get maximum protection from the sun and your legs do not get scratched up as much from branches, or abrasion from boulders. The Simms Guide Pant has really held up well and I'm going on my 3rd season. A COR3 activated fabric blend of nylon/spandex wicks moisture, shields sun, and neutralizes odor, while articulated knees and a gusseted crotch make getting into prime casting positions effortless. Storage solutions include one zip and hook-and-loop secure cargo pockets, zip-secure back pocket, slash hand pockets tailored for accessories, and an internal cell phone stash. Traditional Fit and a plush, adjustable brushed tricot-lined waist come standard. This pant is worth every penny for wet wading in 

technical canyon water.

Another option I have been testing is WaderSkins, I have mainly been wearing the leggings which are perfect for canyon water. They keep you warm, and protect your legs better than just wearing pants. Kneeling on boulders is much more comfortable and scratched up legs are a thing of the past.

Many fly anglers like to wear a sneaker or a sandal that has a felt sole for wet wading. I prefer a hardy boot that offers ankle support, and maximum grip both in and out of the water. The North Fork Yuba River is a demanding river to navigate, just getting down in remote sections is a challenge. The Redington Prowler boot offers a wider platform for better balance. I run the rubber soles with studs, and be wary of smooth studs on polished Sierra granite - Slippery stuff. These boots have held up incredibly well, but make sure you carry some extra laces as they get ground down while wading. Your boots are the most important piece of equipment while wet wading.

The Simms Guide Gard socks are built for the long haul, durable textured nylon helps these socks stand up to aggressive tromping season after season. Constructed of cushy 3.5 mm neoprene, these socks are left/right foot-specific for dawn-to-dusk comfort. You do want to make sure to properly dry the socks out both inside and out or they will stink of mildew in a short time.

WETSOX create a friction less barrier between you and your equipment so you can be in and out of your suit and boots in seconds. Easy on suits and boots. These socks make taking off your neoprene booties with ease, they also make putting on waders effortless, they slide right in with no bulk. 

Your normal fishing shirt, a good hat, and polarized glasses round out the complete package. One other piece of equipment should be mentioned - A wading staff. Good for the hike in, wading about the river, and great for the hike back up to the vehicle. A wading staff is also useful to bang against rocks to alert any rattlesnakes and the like.

Enjoy your time wet wading and good luck out there!