Hey, my name is Collin and I'm from Colorado. I have done bait fishing my entire life but now that I have somebody to teach me how to fly fish I am very eager to learn. I bought a rod and some flies but I still need waders. I am just trying to get some basic nylon wader but the website I want to order them from does not have a sizing chart, so my two questions are: What size should I order (I am 15, 5"10, shoe size 10 and a half and 130 pounds) and the other question is: how water proof are these waders?.

Thanks in advance,

-Collin

(Here's the link Walmart.com: Hodgman Nylon Chest Wader, Green: Fishing & Marine )

A couple of things to help you, Collin.

The waders you're looking at are called "boot foot" waders becuse the boots are already attached. If you look around at fishing catalogs and websites, you'll also see "stocking foot" waders, which require a special pair of wading boots.

I don't think the Walmart waders are a good idea for one reason: They don't have felt or specialized rubber soles for fishing use.

If you plan to fish rivers, felt soles (or an all rubber sole called Aquastealth)are VERY important because they provide a good grip on slippery rocks. Normal "lug soles" like you see on hiking boots are dangerous on slippery rocks because they offer almost no grip. Obviously, when wading, the last thing you want to do is slip and fall.

Recently, some states have outlawed the use of felt soles because felt can trap and spread invasive plants and algea. You'll need to find out if this is the case in CO before you order. There are all rubber soles that offer better grip like felt, Auqastealth is one brand, there are others.

With boot foot waders, you order your normal shoe size.

Also, you MUST wear a wading belt. This is a belt that goes on around your waist on the outside of the waders. If you fall in, the belt slows the amount of water that comes into the waders.

Cabelas offers a reasonably priced felt sole bootfoot. I'm sure you can find others locally.

Be very careful when wading in moving water. It's not really a good idea to fish alone until you have some experience. Never wade any deeper than your knees in fast water and always put one foot all the way down before moving the other foot.

Grouse

Hi Collin & welcome,
Mr Grouse gave you some good advise. I will add that you should go to a real fly shop and talk to the people that know what they are doing. Learn all you can before you start spending hard earned money and understand why you are buying one product over another!
Also your still growing I would think you will be in larger shoes before long, consider that. You don't want boots that are tight as they cut off circulation and make your feet cold and uncomfortable. Cabela's has size charts online as do the other big names (Orvis, Simms and others)
Best of luck to you
Oh yea, if the wadders are properly made they are waterprooof. You have to be careful that you don't snag them or something. They are durable but not indestructible.

First, WELCOME TO THE FORA!!

And darned good advise above. Vis a vis wader boot size go at least one (better two if you're going to fish in really cold water) to provide room for heavy socks. The other reason (as you get to my age you'll really understand) is the larger boot size is a heck of a lot easier to pull off your feet when your dead beat tired.

And I'd like to re-emphasize one comment above: Wading deep is for folks who are really good swimmers. (Stuff all that **** you see on U-Tube!)

If you're deeper in water than your knees, you're already standing in the water where fish want to swim. Just pull out a couple of extra feet of fly line and let your equipment do the job it was designed to do.

Period!

Fred Evans

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Found them on another website (from the manufacturer)
Mackenzie Cleated Chest Waders | Spring Fishing | Outdoors | Hodgman - Waders Since 1838
Gives a little bit more info.

Thanks Fred. I have been swept away by walking into a deep part that was stronger than I thought, so I have a little bit of experience in that field. what do you mean by "Stuff all that **** you see on U-Tube!"?.

Airflo Hardwear waders should do you. cheap and cheerful.

Andy

Do you guys think I will need hip waders or chest waders?.

Maybe consider waist waders, keeps your back side covered (try sitting down on a wet bank with hip waders) & allows you to waded a bit deeper without tempting you to go too deep with the chesties.
To be honest I've come to the conclusion recently that wading should be used in moderation, as and when required. If you can get away with a long cast or moving position on the bank then thats preferred. You don't mention whether you have a wading stick? If you don't then I'd definitely buy one, may have saved you from the dunking you describe.

Like a hiking stick?.

---------- Post added at 11:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:28 PM ----------

Just got a email from the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Felt soles are legal but they ask that you sanitize them after use.