Anyone Fly Fish?

[mdlb]

Just getting into the sport and have started shopping for a pair of waders. I just dont know if I need chest or waist high waders. In CO most of the rivers are pretty swift, thus I am not sure I will ever be wading over waist deep out of safety (If I want to go down the river I will pull out the kayak).

The next question is--I want a good set but dont want to buy something nicer than I need. What is a reasonable price to be looking at? I have seen breathable waders starting about $100 and going up to $700, just not sure where the happy medium between price and performance is. Thanks

[zluke13]

I would go for chest-high. Even if the water is only half way up your thigh it would tough not to splash obove your waist. Make sure you have a good chest strap with the breathable's. You don't want to fill up with water and sink if you ever fall.

[FXRScotty]

Chest High Breathable Cabella's Has Good Stuff Cheap.

[05N1SM0]

Chest-high
My suggestion is to go cheap first unless you know you will get serious with it, then go up from there. Being dry and comfortable makes for a better experience, but it's a waste if you feel you don't get your money's worth.

[RBOWWOW]

Originally Posted by 05N1SM0

Chest-high
My suggestion is to go cheap first unless you know you will get serious with it, then go up from there. Being dry and comfortable makes for a better experience, but it's a waste if you feel you don't get your money's worth.

+1
I use the same ones that I duck hunt in..
basic neoprenes.
Unless I get to be like one of the Rajeff's then I'll buy some nice breathables.

[xtopherfishing]

I trout fish in Iowa where the streams are most likely flowing a lot slower than the mountain streams in Colorado. However, I fish with a a buddy who has chest waders while I use hip waders. We have both noticed the following:

1. When fishing a deep hole in a river (quiet current) the chest waders give the advantage allowing greater coverage as you can wade deeper than the guy in the hip waders. It also allows to retrieve snags in line or on trees better if having to wade through deep water.

2. IN summer, the hip waders allow the fisherman to stay cooler than the guy outfitted in the chest waders. IN winter, just the opposite occurs.

3. Year around the hip waders are easier to manuever in and out of cars. Especially important if the area you are fishing will involve lots of getting in and out of cars or trucks to go to different streams or different sections of the same stream. I can still drive my Frontier truck with manual tranny when still in my hip waders. That would most likely be near impossible with chest waders or very uncomfortable. Hip waders also allow for more middle body bending like when having to go over or between wires on a fence or over fallen tree stumps, etc. (there are lots of these obstacles around Iowa streams).

Its a trade off, no doubt about it. Neither one does it all effectively. However, I will tell you my buddy in the chest waders is going to buy some hip waders due to the lack of mobility year around and heat it generates during the summer months. During the winter he plans to go back to the chest waders.

Hope that helps.

[WeeHooker]

I've been heavily addicted to FF for 20+ years. Welcome. LOTS of fun and twice as rewarding once you "get it'. ( FWIW, I fish mostly for salt and warm water species vs trout.)
Anyway, as for waders, I would recommend stocking foot breathables in a chest high.
Reasoning: Wading boots that go over stocking foot waders give you much better foot/ankle support than the type with the built in boots. They also allow you to select the sole material based on where /how you fish. ( I like Aqua stealth rubber myself.) Breatable because they are comfortable year round and much more flexible. Something you'll appreciate (along with the better fitting boot) if you walk in your waders allot. You can always wear fleece/sweat pants under them for winter fishing.
Chest high is the only way to go if your only going to own one pair. They are comfortable because they are breathable and the suspenders spread their load/keep them up better. Fortunately, most of them ( even cheaper pairs) now have a feature where you can roll the top down and wear them as waist high if you ever find the need. FWIW, I have had the Cabalas Dry Plus breathables and orvis Silver labels and both were comfortable, dry and durable beyond their price tags. p.s. ( BTW, I wore one cheapo orvis pair for 4 years and when they finally leaked, they gave me all my $ back including tax and shipping!!)
hth

[XE_KING]

See if you can get ahold of the Columbia outfiters chest high waders... these are great for the price.. I think about $125 or so... I have had mine for about 2 years with no issues... they have reinforced knees and come with a wading belt.. this will keep your waders from filling with water if you do "the dance" and fall in..... Also check out the Chota line of boots.. I have used many types and like these the best.. they use a removable cleat system that allows you to go studded or not.....

Oh yeah and you can go either neoprien or breathable.... breathable is the most comfortable by far... you just layer up undernieth.....

[RBOWWOW]

Geeze, I think someone here just sold be on the breathables...better head to "Sportmans"
What about these?

[XE_KING]

Yeah.. its insane how much you sweat in neoprene.... I tried somone elses breathables and I was hooked! No more damp clothes!!!!! and they are baggy so you can get i them in a flash!!!! Also no more pressure points from your wadded up pants!!!!