Using Waders
Waders deserve a special note because they're needed in many kinds of fly-fishing, and can be dangerous. Water is often cold where fly-fishermen fish, so to protect their legs they need something that will keep them dry and warm. Hip boots and chest waders will do that, but you must be careful when wearing them
The bottom of rivers and streams is usually slippery and dangerous. Rocks are especially likely to make you slide down. Wear appropriate footwear and be extremely careful when wading in any kind of water, no matter what you're wearing.
Hip Boots
Hip boots are tall rubber boots that come up to you thigh or higher. They're good for wading in water that's no deeper than the hip boots are tall. There's some kind of strap or buckle to hold them on your leg and the foot end usually has a boot on it. Some come in stocking feet and you can wear wading shoes with them.
Most useful in shallow waters, hip boots allow you to fish streams that are not very deep, or have enough shallow areas that you can fish. Wear wool pants and socks under hip boots to protect you from the cold water. Hip boots are easier than chest waders to put on and take off and to get out of in a hurry if you get into trouble.
Special floatation devices are made specifically for wading fishermen. They attach to your belt and don't get in the way but will inflate if you go under. Always wear some kind of floatation device when wading. It can save your life.
Chest Waders
Chest waders come up to your chest and are held on by suspenders over your shoulders. They allow you to fish much deeper water and stay dry but can be very dangerous. With either hip boots or chest waders, stepping into a hole that is deeper than the waders are tall will fill them with water.
Chest waders come with boots attached or as stocking feet so you can wear wading boots or shoes over them. They are loose enough to wear warm wool pants and socks under too help keep you warm in cold water. Chest waders are also used when fishing from a float tube to keep you dry.
