FS Digest

A buddy and I are getting a guide for a day in the LaCrosse, WI area mid-September to learn the ropes. Although I think I could fall in love with this pretty quickly, I want to try it out for a day or two before really diving in and investing a bunch of money into gear.

Our guide suggested in mid-September we would probably still be wet-wading. I have plenty of hiking gear, hats, and polarized sunglasses to deal with the sun and heat for the day. I’m mainly concerned about footwear. I don’t think I’m quite ready to drop a bunch of money on wading boots yet. Trying to figure out the best way to keep my feet warm for the day... I have a few ideas and I’m looking for advice

- Layer socks with merino wool and wear tennis shoes

- Buy Patagonia or Orvis neoprene socks with the gravel guard, and wear with old tennis shoes or hiking boots

- Buy a cheap pair of water shoes from REI

Again... if my first day of fly fishing is as fun as I anticipate, I’ll look to buying some real boots. Just looking for some tips on the early going. Thanks!

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by sps430

FS Digest

If you're shelling out for all ths neoprene sock gear and what not, just get wading boots, man. They're worth it. We all use them for a reason lol

Look for a used pair maybe? Or last years/older models that will be cheaper

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by UncleTrapspringer

FS Digest

I can get Patagonia Neoprene socks for like $50, which is hardly an investment. Good wading boots are $200

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by sps430

FS Digest

Unlike a rod or reel, wading boots are not a one-time investment. I would not recommend Frogg Toggs or cheapest pair of Korkers, but Orvis Encounter boots are decent enough and are $120. Coupled with Patagonia or Simms neoprene, this will get you wading from May-October below the 49th parallel.

Out of all your choices, I would still go with the neoprene socks. The other solutions will not keep your feet warm. Wet socks and new water shoes are risky because of the potential for blisters. I totally admit to having wimpy blister-prone feet, but a blister is a good way to put a damper on the day. The neoprene will still take on water, but it acts as wet suit. I wet wade comfortably mountain streams that are 5-10C with neoprene socks. I would be surprised if the Driftless region is this cold.

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by DrSkunkzor

FS Digest

This is my setup.

https://youtu.be/3fdDGDOrmkk

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by Huge_Fly_Fisherman

FS Digest

Not familiar with the region but if the water is warm enough for wet wading you will be fine with just a pair of Keens sandals. Plenty of grip and will filter the rocks out.

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by Chiburger

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

I live 25 miles West of LaCrosse and the guide could very well be taking you over here. If I were you, I would just get a cheap pair of hip boot or maybe borrow a pair. You can borrow my waders if a size 12 will do it. You will have to come up an get them, but I would buy you a beer.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

$50 for socks ? Patagonia has that Yeti mentality, huh ? Korkers socks are $25-30 @ Sportsman's Warehouse. I have Frogtoggs hip waders with felt-bottom boots from Dick's (field& stream) for the ridiculously low price of $40. Bought originally to keep my feet dry while launching the boat, I find myself grabbing them more and more. Obviously not for waist-deep, but great for alot of what I wade. The True wet-wading I do is in a pair of Keens I glued studded felt to years ago, along with the neoprene socks. Have a friend who uses golf sandals with those little "plastic flower studs", seems to work as well as my felt. When you get ready to drop a couple of hundred for real wading boots, I recommend the Hodgman Aesis. Switch-out sole choices and the process is infinitely better and easier than Korkers pain-in-the-ass system. Had a pair of Korkers, had to remove the boot to switch-out, an obvious problem. Plus the Aesis has the BOA lacing system, killer to be able to adjust the boot with one hand, even under water. Good luck with whatever you pick, but I would definitely go for the neoprene socks...cold feet are a true distraction fishermen don't need.

wardcarr Loc: Western North Carolina

I use Crocs w/socks to wet wade here in the North Carolina trout streams. Once I start fishing I don’t pay any attention to the temp. If you see after your outing you will return to fish another day I recommend you invest in a pair of Soft Science Tera Fin boots. Best investment you can make on boots. I have pair for wet wading and a size up that I use with waders. Lightweight comfortable and stick to slick rocks.