Wade Your Options

Selecting the right fishing apparel and footwear.

Waders and fishing footwear come in all shapes and sizes. Regardless of the bells and whistles, what matters most is how well the waders keep you dry, and how well the shoes keep you anchored to the river bottom. Here are a variety of options you’ll see anglers wearing across southwest Montana, and their general applicability to the local waters.

Chest Waders
Although some folks wear neoprene waders—especially in winter—the breathable nylon variety with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane is more common. Both have their merits, but on hot days and on long hikes, the loose fit and breathability of Gore-Tex are tough to beat. (For a full rundown, check out this article.)

Wading Boots
Wading boots pair with both types of waders. In terms of grip, felt outsoles reign supreme, but the material has its disadvantages. For instance, felt can harbor invasive species and requires sanitization between waterways. Consequently, Yellowstone National Park and some states, like Alaska, have banned felt-soled boots outright. Also, felt has virtually no traction on snow—a major drawback for four-season anglers.

The alternative is rubber outsoles. However, not all rubber is created equal. Softer rubber compounds stick well to rocks but wear out quickly. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, look for a firmer rubber. These will last longer on the trails but offer less in-water traction. Ask your local fly shop for help finding boots that fit your needs (and feet).

Metal studs can be screwed into the bottom of all wading boots to improve traction. But be careful, since most folks won’t let you on their raft or boat with “river cleats.”

Hip Boots
Much less common than in days of yore, these are rubberized boots that run all the way up to the crotch (the “hip” part is a misnomer, unless it refers to the loop that attaches to your belt). They’re more affordable than chest waders, and are very durable, but they also tend to be heavy and cumbersome, and they limit you to thigh-deep water.

Sandals
Of the many styles of sandal, most folks opt for Tevas, Chacos, or Keens. The first two—with open-toe configurations—are great for easy hiking, cruising lakeshores, or wading in sandy shores. However, in more boulder-strewn rivers with underwater rocks and obstacles, these options can result in busted toes, lost toenails, and annoying gravel underfoot. A close-toed pair of Keens is much better for such conditions. Wear neoprene or wool socks with your preferred sandal for warmth.

Water Shoes
Various companies make footwear specific for waterborne activities, often specialized for each sport (think Astral for kayaking). A good all-around water shoe from Rocky or Xtratuf will work great for wet-wading, and a true amphibious shoe (Merrell and Salomon make good ones) will double as a day-hiker, too, for mid-summer alpine-lake trips.

Tennis / Trail Shoes
An old, beat-up pair of tennies or day-hikers can make for cheap, reliable fishing footwear. They’re great for longer river trips when you’re getting in and out of the boat, setting up camp, hiking nearby trails, and fishing in the evenings. Sneakers tend to fall apart quickly once repurposed as river shoes, but at least you’ll get a few extra months of work from your retired skips before you chuck ’em.