Do I HAVE to Get Wet While Fly Fishing?

Some people will tell you that actually being in the water is half of the fun!  When it's particularly warm out, sometimes you don't need a lot of extra gear to keep yourself insulated.  Our answer, though, is no.  You don't have to get wet while fly fishing. There are plenty of ways to keep dry while you enjoy your fishing time, especially if you don't like slogging around in wet jeans to get back to your car.  Here are just a few of your options!

Waterproof Boots

Your first line of defense against the water, especially if you're not going to be wading to a deep location (particularly in still water settings, where you don't need to worry about the current sloshing H2O into your socks), is definitely a pair of waterproof boots.  You know the types of boots that firefighters wear?  Well, they may not be the most comfortable things in the world, nor do they offer your feet very much flexibility, but they are water-tight. 

Waders

Of course, if you're going to be in a stream or a river, you're probably also going to be about waist-deep in water, and for that we would definitely recommend a set of waders on top of the rubber boots.  Waders are made up of a rubber or rubber-like material and are generally strapped on over the shoulders, so that they cover up your legs to your chest.  Usually, this will protect you against the water of tough currents, although there is sometimes the chance that you'll get wet anyway if things are honestly too rough for you to be out there.

This is all taking into account a clear day, though!  If you really want to fish while it's raining and don't really feel like getting wet, definitely wear all of the above plus a raincoat!

Of course, these options are all if you're freshwater fly fishing - or if you're fishing in saltwater, angling from the surf.  If you're out on the open ocean and you're fly fishing, chances are you're not going to get wet unless if the seas are rough...

Or maybe if they're not so rough and you're standing on the seats, you'll get tossed overboard.  Most fly fishing on the open ocean is done from a seat on the side of the boat -- and if you're angling for larger fish, you might just be strapped in.  You can guard against becoming too soaked by having a water-resistant jacket, like a windbreaker, on.  Odds are you'll need one anyway, even if it's a pretty calm day, because the wind can get to be relatively nippy out there, and the salt spray can become bothersome. 

We hope this eases your mind at least a little!