Fly fishing in Idaho doesn’t stop when the weather turns cold. This is a four-season fishing state, which means that for a significant part of the year—almost all of it, depending on where in Idaho you call home—a pair of waders is an essential part of your fly fishing gear arsenal.
Choosing the best waders isn’t easy, and standing knee-deep in chilly water isn’t the time when you want to realize you’ve picked the wrong pair.
Seasonal factors are crucial, but regional considerations are equally important. A great pair of waders for a cold mountain stream high in the mountains of Eastern Idaho might not be the best pick if you’re fishing a broad river in the relatively hot and dry southwestern corner of the state.
Rule Number One in Wader Selection
Before we get too deep into considering different styles, materials and brands, let’s establish one simple guideline. Generally speaking, you want to wear the lightest and most breathable waders you can get away with.
What you can “get away with” depends on where and when you’ll be fishing. But keeping this basic rule in the back of your mind will help you avoid the common mistake of buying waders that are too hot, heavy and cumbersome.
Wader Materials
- Neoprene has long been one of the most popular wader materials. Also used for wetsuits, it’s extremely durable and offers great insulation. It’s also thick, heavy and non-porous, which means neoprene waders can get very hot and sweaty in warm weather.
- Breathable Waders are made from synthetic fabrics like Gore-Tex, which are porous enough to let sweat evaporate while still keeping you dry. Though they cost more, breathable waders are lighter and more versatile; they will keep you relatively cool in summer and can be worn with insulating layers in winter.
- Rubber Waders are somewhat old-fashioned and not as common as they used to be. Heavy, inflexible and non-porous, their only advantage is being budget-friendly.
Best Wader Material for Idaho Anglers
For most Idaho anglers, most of the time, breathable waders are king. That’s as true in hot, dry Southwestern Idaho as it is in icy Panhandle streams and the chilly rivers that tumble down out of the Tetons. Simms G3 Stockingfoot Guide Waders are one of the most respected breathable chest waders, made with durable and comfortable Gore-Tex.
An exception might be made if you fish exclusively in colder regions, and never during summer. Places like the Salmon River near Stanley—recognized as the coldest place in Idaho—and similarly nippy locales like Henry’s Fork and the Big Lost River do lend themselves to more well-insulated neoprene waders. But even on these rivers, you’ll find that many experienced local guides prefer breathable waders.
Breathable materials are more comfortable than neoprene and offer flexible options to control your temperature in all seasons (if you plan on doing cold-weather fly fishing, choose breathable waders that fit a bit more loosely so you can dress in layers underneath). For anyone who prefers neoprene, Cabela’s Classic Series II Neoprene Boot-Foot Waders are a dependable and budget-friendly alternative.
Wader Styles
- Chest Waders, as their name suggests, come all the way up to your chest and are held up by suspender straps over your shoulders. These are the most versatile waders. They’re the most effective at keeping your whole body dry, and allow anglers to wade into deeper waters more safely.
- Waist Waders are essentially waterproof pants that come up to your waist. They’re a lightweight option that allows more freedom of movement in your upper body for fishing in water up to the thighs.
- Hip/Thigh Waders are the lightest (and least expensive) option, but also the most limiting. Looking very much like tall waterproof boots or cowboys’ chaps, they only allow anglers to wade into shallow water with minimal current.
Best Wader Style for Idaho Anglers
Chest waders are, almost without exception, the ideal wader style for Idaho anglers, regardless of region or season. They simply provide the most versatile option in all weather, with Patagonia’s Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders being one of the top choices for colder conditions.
That being said, waist waders might be preferred by backcountry anglers who hike to remote creeks, as may be the case in the Bitterroot and Sawtooth ranges of Central Idaho. There’s something to be said for having the most lightweight option for fishing shallow streams accessible only on foot. Simms G3 Guide Wading Pant are a top option for waist waders.
Waist waders are also a good option for fishing tailwater rivers in summertime. For example, the outflow from the Anderson Ranch Dam in Southwestern Idaho keeps the South Fork of the Boise River at a consistent 55 degrees all summer, even when air temps soar into the 80s.
Types of Wader Boots
- Boot Foot Waders have boots seamlessly integrated into the legs of the waders. The rubber boots connected to the waders come in a range of foot sizes, and they’re great for anglers who usually fish in cold conditions and who value a simple, low-maintenance design.
- Stocking Foot Waders have neoprene socks attached to each leg instead of boots, allowing the angler to choose their own boots. These waders are more versatile as well as more comfortable and lightweight. However, they are less well-insulated than boot foot waders and more prone to leaks and wear over time.
Best Wader Boot Type for Idaho Anglers
Though largely a matter of personal preference, choosing stocking foot waders can be beneficial for Idaho fly fishing because they allow you to switch boots and soles, making it easier to use the same pair of waders on any river in the state in any season (though it must be said, boot foot waders are better insulated, making them a good choice for cold weather).
Different stream conditions demand varied soles. You might want studded soles or cleats on the smooth, rounded stones in Northern Idaho’s St. Joe River, or you might want felt soles for the algae-slicked gravel of Henry’s Fork in Eastern Idaho. Stocking foot waders provide that flexibility.
Redington Sonic-Pro HDZ Waders are a great option for a pair of breathable stockingfoot chest waders that offer the versatility to fish in all Idaho streams. If you prefer bootfoot waders, Orvis Clearwater Bootfoot Waders are a solid option at a value price point.