When it gets hot, it’s time to ditch the waders and wet wade. Waders are great to keep you dry when the weather and water are cold but can overheat you when temps start to rise. Plus they can be kind of pain to put on. We’ll go over the best wet wading gear so you can get on the water quickly and comfortably.

I personally love wet wading. Being fully immersed in the water heightens the experience of being outdoors and makes you feel more connected to the fish. Waders are great, but I choose to wet wade whenever I can.

In this guide, we’ll dive into what wading is, the right temps to ditch your waders, and the best gear to use.

What is Wet Wading?

Wet wading is fishing in the water without traditional waders to keep you dry. That’s right, you’re fully immersed in the elements. This can mean that you’re wearing a pair of shorts, light pants, sneakers, sandals- anything but traditional waders.

Wet wading is popular in the late spring and summer when fishing shallow water rivers and streams. When air and water temps get warm, many anglers prefer wet wading for comfort and sometimes relief from hot summer days.

Waders are vital when temps are cold but cumbersome when the mercury rises. I think every angler would agree that if given the choice, they’re leaving the waders at home and slingin’ bugs in their favorite wet wading gear.

How Cold is Too Cold for Wet Wading?

The ideal temperatures for wet wading depends on the individual. This is completely up to you as the angler but a good gauge is the 80 degree air temperature mark. When the air gets this warm, water temperatures (unless in a tailwater) rise as well and reach the too-hot-to-be-comfortable-in-waders range. When the weather is that warm, the water becomes refreshing instead of chilling.

That being said, this is all up to you as the angler. If you really don’t like waders and can withstand 50 degree air and water temps, go for it. You might be a cold-blooded reptile that has a human-like appearance, but you do you. The point is that there is no rule when it comes to wet wading, simply do it whenever you’re comfortable and the temperatures don’t affect your ability to fish.

I wet waded Lee’s Ferry, a tailwater in Arizona during the heat of summer figuring the cool water would be refreshing from the heat. It’s Arizona, right? Wrong. Despite the near triple digit air temperatures, the water remained in the mid-50s and I regretted not having waders. Even a concerned angler asked me if I was okay. But I still caught fish, so it was worth it.

So keep an eye on both the air and water temperatures when deciding to wet wade or not. You’ll figure out the right combination of air and water temperatures that allow you to be comfortable and fishing all day long.

Best Wet Wading Gear

So now that we know what wet wading is, what about the gear to use? These are some of my favorites, though anything that allows you to fish comfortably is perfectly acceptable.

A pair of shorts and old ratty sneakers will work fine, though if you wet wade consistently, you’re going to want gear and apparel that will keep you comfortable all day long. I would fish in old sneakers when I first started wet wading and let me tell you, walking for hours in soaking socks and shoes is a guaranteed recipe for debilitating blisters. So let’s avoid that!

Also keep in mind that the following products (except the boots) are also ideal for saltwater flats fishing. No need for waders in flats fishing, just gear up with your wet wading gear and get fishin’.

Wet Wading Shoes

My personal favorite wet wading shoes are the most comfortable, stylish, pragmatic footwear out there- Crocs.

Crocs, or similar water shoes can be a great alternative for shorter fishing trips or when you’re not walking long distances. They’re lightweight, drain water quickly, and are surprisingly comfortable. However, they don’t provide as much support or protection as wading boots, so keep that in mind if you’re navigating rocky streams.

I personally love the ease of crocs, plus they’re stylish (yes, stylish) look. Slip on a pair of these things and you’re ready to hit the water.

The one downside I’ve noticed with these is that if rocks or debris get under your feet, they’re hard to get out. A quick shake of your foot usually does the trick but after a long day on the water, it does become an inconvenience. Because debris can get inside your Crocs at times, I also like…

Wet Wading Boots

Wet wading boots are standard wading boots. You can definitely use the ones you may already have, though I prefer the lightest pair I can find.

Heavy wading boots are perfect for cold temps or maybe especially rocky, slippery terrain. However, wet wading is all about trimming down and using the lightest pair of wading boots you can find helps shed some load.

Look for lightweight boots with good drainage and quick drying materials. Brands like Simms, Orvis, and Patagonia offer great options.

I personally like the Simms Flyweight Wading Boot. They’re aptly named and extremely light, almost feeling like sneakers.

Wet Wading Socks

While you can get away with wearing wading boots with normal socks, you’ll eventually tear through the socks and probably be a resident of blister city.

Invest in neoprene wading socks; they provide a bit of insulation and cushion, which makes a big difference over a long day of fishing. Neoprene socks help keep debris out and give an extra layer of protection against cold water.

Wet Wading Pants

Lightweight, quick-drying pants are the go-to for wet wading.

Thin, breathable pants allow you to move easily and stay cool in the water. Pants are considerably better than shorts. You can certainly wear shorts if you prefer, though the constant rushing water does tend to dry your skin out. So if you have shorts, bring a bottle of lotion along with you (I’m no dermatologist, but the avalanche of dry skin after a day of wet-wading without pants can’t be good for you).

Brands like Orvis, Columbia, and REI offer great options. Basically, any thin pant that is sold in the hiking section of the sporting goods store is a great choice.

Waterproof Hip Pack

As you may be able to tell, wet-wading calls for trimming down your apparel and your pack is not different. I usually wear a backpack when fishing, though when the temps rise, I prefer to slim down and use a hip pack.

Waterproof hip backs are usually a good idea. The added assurance of knowing your stuff will stay dry has a bigger impact than I first expected. You can confidently march through spot to spot with zero concern that your phone, keys, flies, etc will get wet.

If you’ve ever taken a dip in the water with all your stuff in your pockets or a leaky bag, you know what I’m talking about. Waterproof hip packs eliminate that concern and you can just focus on fishing.

My favorite is the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Pack. It’s a bit of an investment, but the quality is unmatched. I’ve had mine for several years and have had no issues with it. Keeps things dry and after falling into the water, you’ll be glad you have a quality product to keep your things safe.

Conclusion

Wet wading offers an immersive way to fish during the warmer months, allowing you to feel more connected to your surroundings and the fish you’re pursuing. While traditional waders are essential for cold weather and water, wet wading provides a comfortable and enjoyable alternative when temperatures rise.

By understanding the ideal conditions for wet wading and equipping yourself with the right gear, you can maximize your comfort and efficiency on the water. Lightweight boots, neoprene socks, quick-drying pants, and a reliable waterproof pack are key components that can enhance your wet wading experience. Whether you prefer the simplicity of Crocs or the support of specialized wading boots, finding the right gear tailored to your needs is crucial.

Remember, the best time to wet wade is when the air and water temperatures are comfortable for you. Each angler has their own threshold for cold, so trust your instincts and preferences. With the proper preparation and equipment, you can fully enjoy the benefits of wet wading, making your fishing trips more enjoyable and memorable.

So, the next time the heat cranks up, leave the waders at home, gear up with your favorite wet wading essentials, and dive into the refreshing waters. Happy fishing!