Going fly fishing in a couple weeks, what shoes to wear?

[Hammock Parties]

Going to be standing in a river, obviously.

I need some new sandal-type shoes anyway, so I thought I'd get some I could use on this trip, too. Was looking at the store tonight, but though I would do some research first.

Is something like this going to work?



Does it even matter what I buy, as long as they are a decent pair of flip flops? Because these are $80 and I don't want to be laughed at like the guy in the other shoe thread.

I was going to buy like some $10 cheapos but don't want to fall on my ass in the river or something if that's a danger with the wrong pair of footwear.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by frozenchief

If it were me and I knew, absolutely knew I did not need waders, I would use the following shoes:

https://www.simmsfishing.com/shop/me...-shoe-felt-s17

$120?

You're subjecting me to even more ridicule than the Chiefs sneaker people.

[loochy]

1.) The water will be cold as hell. Hope that it'll be a sunny day because you'll get cold AF.



2.) You shouldn't wear regular shoes. You'll end up breaking your ankles or knees because of slipping on the rocks. You need the ankle support from a stiff pair of boots and you need the grip of a felt/vibram rubber/metal studded sole. I can't believe that the guide won't have boots that you can wear.



3.) For what it's worth, when I do wet wading in the summer I wear my boots and a pair of neoprene gaiters/gravel guards. The setup looks similar to what you can see me wearing here:

[ptlyon]

The looch... Bangin some browns

[loochy]

Originally Posted by ptlyon

The looch... Bangin some browns

Wet wading at Tahoe!



It was cold in the morning.



The gaiters are nice for keeping your feet warm plus keeping mud, sticks, and pebbles out of your boots.

[Megatron96]

If the guide says you won't need waders, you probably won't need them. I wouldn't recommend sandals; too much crap gets between your feet and the insole that hurts.

I'd buy a cheap pair of hiking boots at Wally world. And a cheap wading stick.

When I first started fly-fishing that's what I did (wasn't sure at that point if I was going to really like fly-fishing). This covers your need for a good tread pattern and your need for ankle support. Later, if you decide you really like wading, you can get the Simms/Orvis/whatever boots and waders.

I have 6 sets of waders, 5 pairs of boots, 4 pairs of neoprene wading socks. That's over $3000 in footwear alone. But I'm obsessed.

What I have learned in nearly 20 years of fly fishing, is that you don't need to actually wade much. Nowadays I spend very little actual time in the water (excepting a few tailwaters I fish), and if I do, I usually don't get deeper than my knees. I can't remember the last time I was in over my waist. It's been almost ten years I'm sure. Point being, you should ask your guide/friend exactly what to expect while wading. How deep, how fast the water, how cold, bottom composition, etc. But as a general rule, if you don't have to get deeper than your knees, you don't need waders.

Also, remember that the spot that you usually think would be a great place to stand in the water and fish, that's almost 100% of the time where the fish are. Figure out how to fish the spot you would've been standing in.

If you opt for the neoprene wading socks, remember to wear some kind of sock underneath it or getting in/out of them will be a real pain. I'd recommend a med.-weight merino wool sock or a capilene sock, but anything besides cotton will do. While on that subject, don't wear cotton underwear. Basically don't wear cotton. Cotton takes forever to dry and if you do get your junk wet, and the water's cold, and the air temp is below 75, or it gets windy, your berries are going to be fairly uncomfortable for the rest of the day. Duluth Trading Armachillo underwear works well. But again, anything not cotton will do.

Also if you get the neoprene socks, remember to turn them inside out and let them air-dry to prevent fungus. This will reduce odor and will prevent the fungus from eating your socks.

Hope some of that helps.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Megatron96

I'd buy a cheap pair of hiking boots at Wally world. And a cheap wading stick.
This covers your need for a good tread pattern and your need for ankle support.



If you opt for the neoprene wading socks, remember to wear some kind of sock underneath it or getting in/out of them will be a real pain. I'd recommend a med.-weight merino wool sock or a capilene sock, but anything besides cotton will do.

This is all wonderful advice. Definitely don't go with sandals or water shoes. You'll turn your ankles and jam and cut your toes from slipping on the rocks.

[scho63]

Ask him what he wore.....that should work.

[frozenchief]

From the upper Copper River in SW Alaska. This rainbow was about 26" or so.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by frozenchief

From the upper Copper River in SW Alaska. This rainbow was about 26" or so.

Yeah, but shouldn't have worn waders and you should have worn flip flops.

[ping2000]

Bilbo fishes in these.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by loochy

Yeah, but shouldn't have worn waders and you should have worn flip flops.

listen

clearly, my fly fishing guy knows we will not need waders

so just drop it fer crissakes

[ping2000]

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

listen



clearly, my fly fishing guy knows we will not need waders



so just drop it fer crissakes

So . . no?

[mr. tegu]

Have you practiced your fly fishing cast yet?

[Hammock Parties]

1. Didn't need waders

2. Fly fishing sucks

[ptlyon]