Wading Boots,the Most Important Piece of Fly Fishing Gear You Own.
Fly Fishing Gear June 30th, 2008Good quality wading boots are important for getting traction on the slippery rocks in a river. Sneakers and regular hiking boots just won't get the job done when fishing in and around Wyoming's rivers and lakes.
 Orvis Wading Boots Size 13  US $43.00
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 Cloudveil 8X Wading Boots US $25.00
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 Redington Kevlar High Wading Boot Felt Bottom sz 7 NWT US $39.99
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 Cabelas Ultralight Mens Wading Boots size 12 US $20.00
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 ORVIS WADING BOOTS US $5.00
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 CLOUDVEIL 8X WADING BOOT SZ 6 MENS NIB US $115.00
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 SIMMS L2 WADING BOOT SIZE 12 STUDDED FELT NEW US $109.00 |
 SIMMS L2 WADING BOOT SIZE 9 STUDDED FELT NEW US $109.00 |
 CLOUDVEIL 8X WADING BOOT SZ 5 MENS NIB US $115.00
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 CLOUDVEIL 8X WADING BOOT SZ 7 MENS NIB US $115.00
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A good boot is built for traction on the slippery, wet rocks found in rivers and streams. Trying to substitute a good boot for something less is not only a bad idea, but it could be dangerous. At best you'll probably slip and take a dunk in cold water. At worst you could twist an ankle or fall and get swept down stream. In any case, you need the best traction and support that you can get when trying to navigate fast moving ice cold water on slick rocky bottoms.
What's the difference between wading boots designed for fly fishing and a hiking boot? Wading boots will usually have felt soles. Felt is porous and softer than a hard rubber type of sole. This allows the felt to better conform to the shape of the rock. And since the felt is more porous and soft than the hard rubber sole of a hiking boot, it will have much better traction when wet.
If you will be fishing extremely rocky rivers with fast currents, felt soled boots may not even be enough to provide solid footing. In these types of rivers, cleats are a good idea. Cleats have small metal spikes on the bottom and strap on to your wading boots. The spikes will help provide excellent footing on moose snot covered rocks in fast water. In most cases you won't need cleats. But if you're going to be fishing big fast water with a slick rocky bottom you'll be glad you packed them.
Your boots should provide comfort and good ankle support. It's very easy to turn an ankle when wading a rocky stream and that can certainly ruin a fishing trip. Good support is key when wading on loose rocks. If your boots provide good support you won't tire as quickly because of better balance and traction.
Wading boots are usually sized 1 size bigger than a hiking boot so they fit over the wader foot. I recommend that you try on new boots over the waders and the socks that you wear when fishing. An extra thick pair of fleece socks can make a big difference in making your boots fit too tight.
You want your new boots to fit and be comfortable as well as provide traction and solid support. If they're too tight, your toes will cramp up and your feet will get cold.
It's hard to have a great day of fly fishing when your feet are cold and hurt. So take your time when selecting your wading boots. The right choice can be the difference between a great day or a miserable day of fly fishing.
