winter warmwater waders??

[ditz1]

I fish the small creeks in Columbia area during the late spring to early fall. I have never ventured into the water during the winter months. I am looking for suggestions on waders. Summer waders with heavy sock and some kind of long underwear or more winter oriented waders like the coldwater waders use in trout and steelhead streams? I am diabetic so my circulation in my extemities is not as good as non-diabetics so will affect my choices. I am tired of being house bound in the winter.

[Alphahawk]

I would think with diabetes you would want neoprene. They will keep you much warmer than breathable waders. They also have insulated waders.



Regards

[Travis C.]

I fish year round in breathable's but will layer underneath with wool socks, thermal long underwear and I have a fleece jacket with a weather proof outer shell. With that tucked into my waders I don't get cold.

When ever its windy but not terribly cold or really really windy and cold I will substitute or add my frogg toggs rain jacket on top. You'd be amazed how warm you can stay by eliminating wind.

However, I don't have diabetes and won't be as familliar with the effects of cold for you.

[bd-]

Neoprenes will keep you the warmest, but I've never found a pair that was very comfortable. They are bulky and cumbersome to me.

In cold weather, I just wear layered clothes under my normal summer breathable waders and it's fine. Wool socks, long underwear, a pair of warm pants, and coveralls under my waders will keep me warm even when there's ice and snow out. Obviously, if it's not quite as cold, I might leave the coveralls of or otherwise adjust the layers.

bd

u will definately want insulated or cold water waders in addition to cold weather socks n long underwear and/or insulated pants . with circulation probs its really important to stay warm n dont stay in water for long periods. there's some excellent fishin during cold water periods ! good luck!

[Alphahawk]

Originally Posted by tshookset

u will definately want insulated or cold water waders in addition to cold weather socks n long underwear and/or insulated pants . with circulation probs its really important to stay warm n dont stay in water for long periods. there's some excellent fishin during cold water periods ! good luck!

X2...I did not put in my reply that I too have to be careful wading in winter. I have had a pulmonary embolism and could likely have one again. When I wade in winter I take care to not stand in the water too long before taking a break on the bank. The cold water can make your blood thicken and there goes a clot...for those of us that have that problem.

Regards

[MNfisher]

I have had luck with cabelas neoprene waders with 600-1200 grams thinsulate in the boots. I them wear thermal underwear and warm pants and wool socks underneath. That with a winter jacket, I have broke ice to stand in freezing water with air temps in the teens or lower for several hours up in MN trying to shoot some ducks!

[ditz1]

thanks to all for thier responses. I doubt that I will get out if it is below the mid 40's if even that cold. I thought that maybe neoprene waders with some kind of good long undies and heavy wool socks would suffice. The creeks that I fish are mostly shallow and I seldom get much over thigh deep and a lot of it is knee deep. I normally wade wet in the summer months. It is just too hot for waders and even a vest.

[Pookie]

Originally Posted by ditz1

thanks to all for thier responses. I doubt that I will get out if it is below the mid 40's if even that cold. I thought that maybe neoprene waders with some kind of good long undies and heavy wool socks would suffice. The creeks that I fish are mostly shallow and I seldom get much over thigh deep and a lot of it is knee deep. I normally wade wet in the summer months. It is just too hot for waders and even a vest.

Come Mid-December, I put the rods away for 6 weeks or so and spend most of the time in SE Arkansas duck hunting. We stand in water that is waist deep for 5-6 hours at a time. I use neoprene waders with a good sock and what amounts to a pair of sweat pants. Some mornings, I am so warm that I have to come out of my jacket, but never cold in those waders. They will cost you a couple of hundred bucks, but well worth it if you are in cold water.

[Catchingtrout]

I always wear breathable waders and I fish in some cold places (CO, MT, MN, WI) 12 months a year. I have found that as long as I dress for the weather layering in breathable clothing (NO COTTON). Thin layers on the bottom and add as needed I never have problems. As Travis mentioned the wind can be a challenge and that is where the waders and a good jacket and hat come in.

You'll learn quickly what works for you.