In the fly fishing community, the consensus on wading gear is waders and boots. Find breathable waders that fit and pair them with a good pair of boots that fit too. This way, you not only stay dry: you stay comfortable and can move safely. For the vast majority of anglers across a wide variety of conditions this is the way to go. But in frigid tailwaters or mid-winter steelhead rivers there is one variable that becomes as important as comfort and safety.

You have to stay warm.

All trout water is cold. Sometimes, it gets so cold that it is unbearable or even dangerous. No matter how many layers you put on, there will be some limitations based upon your waders:

• You can only fit so many warm layers under your waders.
• You can only have so much air circulation in your wading boots.

Why do those matter? And what can you do about it? Let me explain:

Bootfoot

The reason why your feet get cold in stockingfoot waders is because there’s hardly any warm air down there. Cramming another pair of wool socks over your foot  isn’t going to make a difference when it ends up getting compressed by a neoprene bootie, a wading boot, and water pressure. A rigid bootfoot wader not only allows for “airflow” from your core to your feet, it gives your feet a chance to breathe. Often, bootfoot waders’ boots will be insulated as well.

Sole options are a drawback to fishing out of bootfoot waders. However, there are over-the-boot options (in both felt and studs). Admittedly, the issue that looms larger than traction is stability. The same open ankle that allows for core heat to penetrate your boot is going to allow some movement. Consequently, you’ll want to take your time if you have physical limitations, are walking long distances, or are traveling over dodgy surfaces.

Insulation

As a teenager I fished exclusively out of neoprene waders. Even as a young and resilient angler I got hot. Thankfully, wader technology has come a long way since then. Breathable, insulated waders are an absolute joy to fish or hunt out of in cold weather. Continuing an important thermal theme, they provide another layer of warmth outside your clothing layers that traps warm air around you. They do have the potential to get warm on mild fall and spring days, but conscientious clothing choices (and the knowledge that you’ll cool down when you stop moving) can help.

Aside from the one-plus-shoulder season use of insulated waders, they can be a bit baggy for anglers with a regular or slim build. With added mass comes added weight, too. If you’re used to space-age breathables, these might feel like you’re wearing a size up.

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After layering and suffering in my fishing waders and boots last waterfowl season, I hunted (and fished) out of the Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge 3.0 Bootfoot Waders over the past year.

With proper clothing choices, I was completely comfortable in even the coldest and wettest weather. I didn’t find the lug soles or the bootfoot to be bad for traction in mud, on ice, or across land. They’re durable, and the zip-out insulation is an excellent option for flexibility. The only drawback I can point to is how baggy they are on me… even though I chose the “slim” size. All said, they’re  an excellent option for the angler who is walking chilly riverbanks or the duck hunter looking for warmth.