lowerfoxguy wrote:What is a safe cfs level for wading? I'm new to the fox this year. I bought a canoe and had some great fishing days out there from 47 to the state park. I bought my canoe in July and sold it in august and made 600. yes, i enjoyed my canoe but still very tough to fish from the canoe. I'm really considering buying waders and taking the approach. does the fox offer good fishing later into fall Nov,dec? thanks
Ed answered the cfs question perfectly.
There are areas I will go to when the water is flowing well above 3000 cfs, but I know the areas like the back of my hand and I know I'll be standing out of the current in water up to my waist. I've been there when it's only 6 inches deep. It takes time to learn that, but just ask details and we'll chime in.
I've done well in the past all the way to the end of November, but the weather was mild. Then there's crap plant fishing all winter. We'll fill you in on that later too.
As for waders, I put this together awhile ago and should put it up as an announcement or somewhere prominent where guys can see it.
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When it comes to getting waders just remember one thing, Hodgman is Norwegian for crotch leak.
I've tried alot of them. Everything depends on how much you fish.
Best bet for the money is Cabelas. Mid price ones will work fine.
These are good and the ones the next step are better.
Cabelas Chest Waders
Get chest waders, it's worth it.
The absolute best boots are by Simms, but they'll run you $100 to $150. I've burned out about 4 pairs of the Cabelas, link below, and they are well worth it for around $65. Especially if you're not fishing more than a few times a month.
You DO NOT want to get felt soles. On mud they're useless, like walking on ice. And all shore lines have mud.
Cabelas Backcountry Boots
I used to wade 100 to 150 times a years. Yes, you get what you pay for and Simms is one of the best. I've still burned out the best in one year because of the way I used to fish.
I bought these waders from Cabelas at the end of May 2009. They started leaking the first week of September 2009. I just noticed another leak in one of the feet in mid October. Cabelas said to send them back so they can check if its manufacturer defects. I didn't tell them my history of burning things out. I don't fish an much as I used to, but I guess what I do to get to the fishing spots and what I do when I'm there, still burns them out. All the companies really should hire me as their official wader tester. I guess I'm brutal on them. They said I could send them back when I'm done fishing for the season. We'll see what happens.
Cabelas Waders
I skipped getting the Simms boots because Cabelas came out with something new that I had to try. If you won't be wading more than a few times a month, the Backcountry ones are fine. I needed something tougher. These turned out to be an excellent choice. Since they just came out with them this year, I'm going to send them a review. Two flaws, no hoop on the back to help pull the boot on and all boots don't seem to have tough enough laces. The clip on the gators cut through them. Definitely recommend these.
Guidewear Wading Boots
When I ordered them they came with the studs which I won't use. I already know what will happen. They will poke through the bottom and put a hole in the boot foot. It's inevitable the way I treat things.
Now once you become hard core and absolutely have to be out there on a 40 degree day in the middle of December, January or February, you should have neoprene waders. You should get the ones with the boots built in, they keep your feet warmer. You should get 5 mm neoprenes because I once stood in cold water for two hours in 3 mm and was layered up nicely underneath and I still got hypothermia. That is not fun. These are the only ones I recommend, again from Cabelas. Mine lasted almost 5 years of absolute hell fishing and hunting before I completely burned them out.
Ultimate Hunting Waders
The only problem with neoprenes are the boots. You could get felt, DON'T. You're only other choice are the rubber lug soles. It's a harder rubber than what comes with the other boots mentioned above. The lug soles are great in the mud and snow, but your feet will slide around on the bottom of the river. You get used to it, but it takes a couple of trips to learn your limits.
But you may be a couple of years away from that, get comfortable with the river first. Just layer up well under the breathables and don't stand in the water too long.
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10 years ago a friend and I both bought the same pair of higher end Cabela's waders. I think I paid over $300 for them.
Within 5 months and 120 wading trips, I completely burned them out. Worn out, seams leaking, neoprene booties worn down to holes.
10 years later my friend still has his and they are in good shape.
But then, I don't think he's gone fishing 120 times in 10 years.
Plus, you have to follow me through the woods. Crawling on hands and knees following animal trails through dense under growth in order to get to a good spot on a never used creek.
Tends to wear things out, including me lately.
