A great way to spend that holiday gift card!
Derrek Sigler 12.22.20
Now that we’re rapidly winding down December, it is time for one of my all-time favorite fishing activities – Steelhead fishing in the river. I used to go with a buddy in his nice, heated riverboat, but he decided to up and sell it on me. The nerve of some people! That meant I had to join the guys grinding it out along the edges of the river. My wife thought I was nuts the first time I came home from the river. My waders were frozen and could actually stand up without me in them. Winter fly fishing can be fun and rewarding. There is definitely something intriguing about facing the elements head on, and enjoying the quiet solitude of a river as the snow falls. It helps that the fishing can be fantastic, and with the river to yourself… Well, you get the idea. What you need to have is the best waders for fishing in the winter, so you enjoy the moment, rather than just living through it.
It starts with waders
Since my friend sold the boat, I’m relegated to waders until I can convince my wife that we need our own river boat. If you’re a duck hunter, you already have a good place to start with your hunting waders. Many of you might think that warmth is the most important factor in winter waders, and it is important, just not quite as much as durability. All the warmth a wader can muster won’t matter if the waders leak. That was always a concern with neoprene. It isn’t exactly what I would call durable on its own. I’ve owned a lot of different pairs of waders over the years.
Cover photo: Shutterstock/Cliff
1. Drake Guardian Elite – Most Extreme
My current favorite for warmth are Drake Guardian Elites. These waders have a tear-away liner core that adds a ton of warmth, yet it can be removed without taking the waders off. The lower part of the wader is extremely durable so you can work through brush, river banks, ice and more without worrying about punctures or tears as much as you might with other materials. The boots have 1,600-grams of Thinsulate insulation. These waders also have a waterproof, seam-sealed zipper for when nature calls. It also helps in getting them off, which can be brutal after a long trip in the cold water.
Pros/Adjustable warmth and extreme durability
Cons/Not very good for warm weather use
Bottom Line/Extreme protection from cold and abuse
2. Simms G4 Pro – Professional Level
These waders are built for the serious angler. They are extremely lightweight and flexible. They aren’t insulated, but you can layer up underneath them. The waders have a three-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell upper with a four-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell lower. This helps these waders to be tough as nails while still being breathable and flexible. The nice thing with these waders is that you can use them year round. If you spend as much time as possible standing in a river, these are the waders you need. Yes, they are a little pricey, but if it is the last pair of waders you need to buy, it’s worth it.
Pros/Tough, durable year-round waders
Cons/Price
Bottom Line/Maybe the last waders you’d ever need to buy
3. Orvis PRO
I have a buddy who guides on several rivers. He is brutal on his equipment, even before he was a guide because he is a grinder. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like, or the water conditions, he is fishing, either with a client, or just for fun. He went through a lot of waders before he got a set of Orvis PRO series. These waders have an extremely durable, four-layer Cordura fabric shell in the upper and a five-layer Cordura fabric shell in the lower legs that is exclusive to Orvis. The waders have knee pads for landing big fish on the shoreline and gravel guards to help keep water and gravel from building up on the legs. The waders are lined to help make the comfortable and easy to get on and off. If you spend a lot of time in the water, any time of year, you should look at these waders.
Pros/Tested tough
Cons/Order up in size for layering
Bottom Line/What a lot of guides wear
4. Lacrosse Men’s Brush Tuff Extreme ATS
I’ve owned several pairs of Lacrosse waders over the years and have always been impressed. They fit great, hold up well and are comfortable. Being a duck hunting wader, the Brush Tuff is exactly that – built to handle harsh conditions. They are made with 5mm neoprene that is fleece lined for extra warmth. The outer part of the waders have a mix of lycra and spandex to keep them flexible and resist tears. The knees have a layer of polyurethane protection to make them even more durable. They have 1,600 grams of Thinsulate in the boot. They are tough as nails and are a great rough weather wader.
Pros/Durable, warm and low priced!
Cons/Not for warm-weather use
Bottom Line/A great wader at a great price
5. Hodgman Aesis Sonic Zip Bang for the Buck
Looking for bang for the buck? Hodgeman has you covered with the Aesis Sonic-Zip. These waders are tough enough for serious angling in the harshest conditions, and have the convenience of a waterproof zipper to make getting in and out easier. Made from tough four-layer construction, with an extra layer in the seat and wear areas, these waders have a 5mm neoprene booty and have an available insulation liner to help with cold water fishing.
Pros/A lot of flexibility for the money
Cons/None
Bottom Line/Features you’d pay more for from other brands
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