FS Digest

I’m totally new to fly fishing. I have bass fished for many years, but have recently got into fly fishing. I have a pair of cheap rubber chest waders. My local stream is 45 degrees and when I dropped in yesterday, in 10 minutes I couldn’t feel my legs. Short of buying neoprene waders, does anyone have any suggestions of how to stay warm?

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by wadeboggsbosshoggs

FS Digest

Pair of long johns and sweat under your waders and Thick wool socks

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by tnge_punch_ur_fartbx

FS Digest

Clothes underneath the waders help. More clothes will keep you warmer.

This has been your pro tip for today.

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by Huge_Fly_Fisherman

FS Digest

What these people said layers. If you sweat too much you will get cold. So there is point of diminishing returns on the insulation.

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by gregallison

FS Digest

It’s all about layering. Invest in some nice wool under layers, I use Wool X and Smart Wool for skiing and fishing. Don’t wear cotton, underwear included, if the boys are wet ‘n cold, you’re screwed and might as well go home. Always remember, cotton kills.

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by tenkara_is_4_pussies

FS Digest

All these dudes are spot on... don’t get the weight in the waders.... wear layers under, otherwise they will get too bulky.

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by opington

oldsalt Loc: Holland Pa

I would avoid pro longed wading in water that cold

Katriniagirl Loc: Jensen Beach Florida

Stay home by the fireplace lol

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

oldsalt Loc: Holland Pa

It’s just dangerous. If u can’t feel your legs there’s an increased risk u could stumble, waders fill, swift current pulls u away from shore. U get the idea. Fishing should be pleasurable and safe

Capt Lou

If your legs are getting cold layer up with long johns , if your feet are cold then add felt insoles and wear good quality wool socks ! There are foot warmers available that activate when unpacked sans insoles !
Cheap boots for cold water use should always be oversized so you can add insulated clothing !
If you continue to fish in cold waters neoprenes are the answer !

Any bootfoot used in cold water must be well insulated not cheap uninsulated !
I personally have used 4 layer breathables however buy oversized shoes to allow to put an extra pair of insoles this will mitigate cold . seeping in !
I found that good quality stocking foots with added boot insulation perfectly fine in. Old waters ! However the one caveat being if your walking a lot or standing !
Standing for long periods in cold water bootfoots my choice hands down !

Moscooter Loc: Sunset Beach, N.C.

Don't forget about electric hunting socks. You can buy wool hunting socks that have battery packs up around the top. Hunters have used them for sitting in cold duck blinds and wading after downed birds if no retriever dogs. Also while putting out decoys.

Those socks could be the "trick".

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I like the advice of NO COTTON not even underwear, go silk if you can find/afford. I use polypropylene long johns and sometimes polarfleece pants over long johns, if it's really cold. You would be much better off with breathable waders and layers, rather than rubber and they will certainly last longer(fewer leaks). Frogg Toggs and Hodgeman both make several styles for relatively reasonable pricing, some less than $100, even some closer to $50.
My favorite ADD-ON for ANY wading is NEOPRENE SOCKS, about $25... best choice for ANY wading.
I believe that you will also benefit from not having cold, stiff rubber, which offers zero insulation as well as limits movement. The SOCK FOOT types are also much more comfy and warmer, however you will need to get wading boots, if you don't already have a pair.
I suggest you check out CRAIGSLIST. I just looked at our local CL, and saw at least half a dozen of each(boots, waders) for as little as $25-50, ...lots of folks gear up, then just don't go or give up the sport. Lots of bargains out there... meeting with a guy later today to see/buy a TFO flyrod with a Lamson reel, loaded with Rio line....$100 !!!!

teabag09 Loc: Chesapeake, Virginia

If you put a pair of panty hose under the long johns they will help retain heat and boost circulation. We wore them frostbite sailboat racing in winter on the upper Chesapeake Bay. Mike