The best fishing waders, wading jackets and wading boots need to keep you dry and comfortable all day long. These are the Fish Alaska team’s picks for the best boots, jackets and fishing waders on the market. These will get you where you want to fish and keep you dry on the way.
Best Fishing Waders, Wading Jackets & Wading Boots
Simms M’s G3 Guide Waders – Stockingfoot
Fish Alaska Publisher Marcus Weiner tested these waders hard in 2022. From multi-day river trips targeting salmon, to clam digs on the coast, to a 10-mile hike through the SE Alaska rain forest in search of Sitka black-tailed bucks, these waders got put through the paces. Marcus enjoyed them immensely. In addition to being very comfortable, they proved rugged and feature rich. We highly recommend these waders to any serious angler.
Korkers River Ops BOA Wading Boots
In 2022, Korkers’ top-of-the-line wading boots were updated to include a model with the BOA system. Without a doubt, this is the toughest, best wading boot Korkers has produced to date. Made with hydrophobic synthetic materials, the boots are light, fast drying and help reduce the spread of invasive species. Water drains from them rapidly, so you won’t be slogging along the riverbank with heavy, waterlogged boots.
They’re sold with a choice of 2 different sole options: felt and Vibram XS soles, or Vibram XS Trek and Studded XS Trek Soles. Since felt is outlawed in Alaska, the second sole option is the one for us. That said, we put the optional Triple Threat Aluminum Hex Disc soles on ours, since they provide great traction in all wading environments, yet won’t cut up vinyl boat floors. They’re available in sizes 8 through 15 and feature a 2-year warranty. We’ve walked many miles in these boots and can attest to their durability, versatility and comfort.
Caddis Women’s Northern Guide Waders
Caddis built these waders with toughness and versatility in mind. Heavy-duty fabric, reinforced in the knees and seat, and a large front pocket for your phone, keys, and license, these waders are a solid choice to add to your gear bag. Caddis offers these in a range of sizes, including “Queen” for the curvy ladies.
Simms M’s G3 Guide Wading Jacket
Spring and fall fishing in Alaska can be downright brutal. Wind, rain and temperatures combine to make it mildly painful to be outside. We love it! In these conditions, it’s imperative to have a wading jacket that can keep you dry and protected, while still providing the mobility to cast. This jacket scored a 10 out of 10. Combining bombproof GORE-TEX with many smart features allows serious anglers to battle the elements and remain on the water. Our tester particularly appreciated the adjustable storm hood, watertight sleeve cuffs, and ample storage. Zippered handwarmer pockets also come in handy, especially after plunging hands in Alaska’s frigid water to release fish.
Korkers Triple Threat Aluminum Hex Disc Sole
Fish Alaska Editor George Krumm calls the Triple Threat Aluminum Hex Disc Sole his favorite Korkers wading-boot sole, and the most versatile for Alaska conditions. These soles are equally at home hiking up muddy banks or wading on algae-covered boulders. While George prefers the standard configuration of hex discs, you could also customize the sole, putting some Triple Threat carbide spikes or aluminum bars in strategic locations on the sole. The sole itself is made of a sticky rubber compound with stainless-steel inserts to accept any combination of hex discs, spikes, or bars. While it’s a bummer to not be able to use felt in Alaska, the Triple Threat sole makes it a non-issue
Redington M’s Sonic-Pro HDZ Waders
Our camera man needs to be impervious to weather; he’s out there with us shooting the clip or photo that brings it all together. We chose Redington waders and a wading jacket for him this year to test. The Sonic-Pro HDZ Waders performed perfectly. Our tester enjoyed being perfectly dry and toasty, with the added comfort and ease of use of a zipper. The wader is produced in a wide range of sizes.
Redington Wayward Guide Jacket
Occasionally we let the camera man fish! In addition to wearing Redington waders, Brian Woobank tested the Redington Wayward Guide Jacket this year and liked the fit, the fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets, and that he was able to fit layers under the size-medium jacket. He also said he had good range of motion when casting jigs to salmon on the Togiak River.
Caddis Mossy River Series Breathable Stockingfoot Waders
When shopping for waders, options range from practically disposable to eye-wateringly expensive. Caddis has a solid hit with their Mossy River Series waders at a price point that doesn’t require special financing. The Mossy River Series is built with Caddis Dry technology and can be combined with an insulating layer for multi-seasonal use. Caddis offers an extended sizing range, and for those of us blessed with prosperity, Caddis offers a stout size range as well.
