I actually bought shorts for my tip to the N Platte in CO in a couple days...it is gonna be scary...I haven't worn shorts in a long time...the blinding...the deal is the folks I will fish with are scary too...so all is good.

 

I had pair of waist highs. Was wading through a spot on Pilchuk Creek to about my boys. My waders fit good but didn't leak but got the shock of my life when my boys were getting drenched. They leaked in the crotch. Took them back and got a new pair.they leaked in the same spot. That shut me off on waist highs. My latest waders I have had for over 15 years. I only wear them if need to. Dan Baily.'s

 

The "best thing" about NOT wet-wading - no leeches, other critters or bacteria where it doesn't belong. I had to wet-wade as a kid because I didn't have waders, chest, hip or otherwise. Now that I have multiple sets of fine, comfortable, breathable waders, why would I opt to not wear them? The only thing I like attached to my skin is . . . hair.

 

I wet wade once the weather lets me (I guess I'm not as tough as most folks). Never had a leech glom on but this thread made me think about Stand By Me when the boys chose to wade through a shallow pond.

 

...not getting your nuts wet

 

exactly! I like fishing faster moving sketchy spots, so It keeps the waterline just above the knees wet wading

 

It usually follows that I’m fishing light, which we strive for. It’s handy that I have a fairly high tolerance for cold. Besides, what kid avoids the puddle?

 

Pretty much everything. I start wet wading way before I should, just because I love going light. I won’t be wearing waders till maybe late September.

 

I wet wade in a pair of shorts and speedo river shoes. The kind that have thick soles and are mesh. They seem to stick to the rocks well. I fish rivers and streams all over the state.

 

That is what I am doing on the s.Plate...it will be scary...I have ugly legs...kinda blinding actually...but WTF...I am fishing with other old people...

 

What kind if wet wading socks do you use?

 

Not sure who you are asking but the past several years when wet wading for carp I wear an old pair of running shoes and calf length cotton socks that I roll down onto the shoe top. I've used Teva's but find gravel gets between the sandal top and my feet.

When wet wading rivers I wear an old pair of heavy socks and neoprene booties inside my wading boots.

 

I used to just wear a pair of Converse Allstars when wet wading. Now I’ve upgraded to some neoprene socks and the new Danner foot tractors. Man are they nice on slick rocks! I sure would want to go for a swim in them though, they are heavy as hell!

For lakes I always wear waders. I don’t need swimmers itch on balls our any other type of critter latching onto my junk

 

Here in Douglas Co., where the N. Umpqua is my home water, wading and swimming are usually distinctions without a difference... I never go near that river without felt wading boots equipped with cleats. There are a few stretches here and there that look like a 'normal' river; i.e. an actual sand or gravel bar. But, in general it's just one wicked stretch of ledge rock, sharp outcroppings and depressions covered with green slime in the summer.

I typically wear long pants, unless I know I won't be walking on any trails (ticks man...). I like the Duluth light on the fly, or something similar in a dacron/spandex blend. Cotton pants get too heavy and take forever to dry out. Then I wear wool socks (that I run up over my pants) and a pair of neoprene booties. Gravel guards are about as necessary as polar bear repellent here. If I ever do fish sand or gravel, someday, I'd add them to the ensemble.

 

Rivers have a lot of power when there is moving water and a lot of hidden sharp obstacles and slippery as snot places when one least expects it. I believe in some preventative action so a trip will not be ruined on the first day out...

So I always wear wading boots with felt soles for ankle support and good gripping power.. Neoprene socks with gravel guards for comfort as well as to protect the socks by preventing rocks/sand from getting into the boots. I prefer long pants, preferably quick dry nylon/polyester, for sun protection of my blinding white legs and the occasional bush stomping.

 

forget the shorts ,getting sunburned is no fun. I wear polyester /cotton uniform pants that I buy a work store they are made by Dickey and dry fast & are roomy. now a benefit of them is you do somewhat look like you escaped from a prison roadside work crew, so people don't linger about in your presents.

 

What's the best thing about wet-wading
is not putting on waders

 

thinning out the leach population, they love bare legs.

 

My waders leaked so much I wet-waded all the time; not as much fun in April.
Seriously though, the best part is that I can fish dries all day long.

Regards,
Scott

 

I haven't got nothing wet in my last 5 years of fishing. I know where the fish are at so wading in not an option anymore. I can drive to where they are at, get out of what I driving around in and fish. And the silly thing is that I can still catch them.

 

Simms booties with my wading boots,
gravel guard you can hook if you want to, or leave them up and over the calf.

Early season, waders or wading pants, (whenever that water is still too damn cold)