It’s not the kind of post any small, American boat builder wants to write. Early Sunday morning, Adipose Boatworks shared that a fire broke out inside their Helena production shop. The cause is still unknown, but thankfully no one was injured. Thanks to the quick response from the Helena Fire Department and East Helena Fire Department, the damage was contained before it could become any worse.
For a brand known for hand-built drift boats and a tight-knit, Montana-made ethos, the shop is everything. It’s where hulls are laid up, molds are pulled, and long days turn into finished boats that end up rowing anglers down rivers all over the West.
The good news: the heart of the operation survived. Most of Adipose’s molds made it through the fire, with only minor damage to a few. The tougher loss comes in the form of crucial equipment, tools and machines that keep production moving day in and day out. There are still plenty of unknowns. But one thing is clear. They’re rebuilding.
If you’ve spent any time around the fly fishing world, you know brands like Adipose aren’t just manufacturers, they’re part of the community. Rowers, guides, and anglers alike depend on these boats season after season. And like most river people, they’re used to adapting when things don’t go as planned. We’ll be keeping an eye out for updates as they get back on their feet. If you’ve ever floated a river in an Adipose, now’s a good time to send a little support their way.
In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, APH Flying Tying shows us a fantastic attractor pattern you can fish all year long, the Red Tag Nymph.
Learn How to Tie This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
With so many nymphs on the market today, it can be difficult to find consistent producers that catch fish no matter the conditions. Luckily, attractor patterns can offer the benefits of several types of flies, all condensed into one. Adding the smallest touch can turn a classic pattern into a staple in your fly box and is the reason why variations are so important. One of these attractors that will work anytime of the year and will become your most used point fly is the Red Tag Nymph.
For tyers of any experience level, this one will be a piece of cake after a little practice. Although this pattern’s red tail makes it a magnet for trout, it can also be tied with pheasant tail or other fibers to build a non-attractor variation. The platform of this fly has more variations and applications than most nymphs, but sticking true to the attractor tag end is a way to separate yourself from others on the water. Enjoy the process and ease of mastery with the Red Tag Nymph and let the pattern speak for itself.
Using this fly in a double nymph rig or in a dry dropper will bring fish to the net most days. The beauty in versatile nymphs is you can fish them in nearly any size and they will work regardless of situation. This makes them a viable option as either point or tag fly, or under a large buoyant dry fly. Fish the Red Tag Nymph with confidence as we approach spring and don’t be shocked when your net gets worn down!
Yukon Resurrection, an F3T featured film, follows the story of the LaFave family deep in Canada’s Yukon territory. With four generations of experience owning and operating lodges deep in some of the most remote wildernesses, this film has everything anglers want. Untouched rivers and lakes, eager fish, and the diversity to target new species every day. When Midcurrent’s Sam Lungren heard about this fishery, he knew it was the perfect place for a film. Then, tragedy struck in 2022 when a fire burned down the lodge. The LaFaves were faced with a choice: to rebuild or to give up the fishing lodge business.
We had the chance to sit down with Lungren to discuss what went into making this film, from both the technical and human viewpoints.
Flylords: A lot of anglers think of Canada, particularly the Yukon, in terms of salmon and rainbow trout. What made you want to do a film focusing on lake trout, pike, and inconnu?
Sam Lungren: Lake trout grow larger than any other trout, often even bigger than king salmon. They’re an incredibly beautiful and aggressive sportfish, yet haven’t been featured in many major films. Everyone knows that pike are awesome, but relatively few anglers have even heard of inconnu. They’re also called sheefish or “Arctic tarpon” and reside only in rivers draining into the Arctic Ocean. Anglers have caught specimens weighing more than 50 pounds.
Flylords: The film centers around the LaFave family. Can you tell us more about discovering this story and when you knew you had to make a film on it?
Lungren: My colleague Gil Greenberg went to Inconnu Lodge as a kid and initially suggested we go up there to try to break the fly tackle world record for lake trout. When I spoke to Warren and Shawn LaFave and learned about their family’s 94-year history in the fishing lodge business, as well as the devastating fire in 2022, I knew we had a great human story on our hands. Huge fish were just the cherry on top.
Flylords: What went into capturing some of the epic drone eats we see in the film?
Lungren: Dan Favato was the cinematographer on this film and quickly visualized a lot of God-view imagery into the clear water. We would first locate fish or likely spots, then send up the drone to track the fly, working in close coordination between the pilot and angler. These lake trout, bull trout, pike, and inconnu almost never see angling pressure, so they played along with us beautifully.
Flylords: Yukon Resurrection captures a wide range of diversity in terms of the species you targeted. What’s it like fishing and filming in such a unique fishery?
Lungren: Inconnu Lodge operates on 18 lakes flowing into three different drainages within the Yukon Territory. Every watershed we fished offered new angling challenges and opportunities. We simply went fishing every day with open minds and tried to capture the experience from every angle we saw.
Flylords: The film focuses a lot on inconnu fishing, a species that does not get a lot of screen time. What challenges does catching an inconnu on the fly present?
Lungren: Inconnu is a French word meaning “unknown.” There’s very little scientific information about these fish. They’re a member of the whitefish family but look more like a cross between a tarpon and a bonefish. The world record is 53 pounds. Biologists believe they migrate hundreds of miles throughout Alaska and Canada, even into the ocean, following salmon runs. The two we caught were holding in deep water, requiring heavy flies and full-sink fly lines. That was a major bucket-list achievement for me, after learning of these fish from my uncle after a moose hunt he went on more than 30 years ago.
Flylords: Halfway through the film, we see tragedy strike when the original lodge caught fire, before the LaFave family ultimately rebuilds it. Talk us through incorporating this into the film.
Lungren: Four generations of the LaFave Family have owned and operated four lodges over the last century. Warren and his father built Inconnu in 1986. It burned down in an electrical fire caused by a pine marten in 2022. That’s the central tension of the narrative: whether they would rebuild or move on to more lucrative and predictable work. There are no roads within 50 miles of the lodge, so every board, bag of concrete, light fixture, and refrigerator had to be flown in on the side of a DeHavilland Beaver floatplane. Once you get to know the LaFaves, however, you realize that was never really a question at all.
Flylords: What was your favorite shot or sequence captured in this film?
Lungren: One of the more southern lakes we fished is known to hold bull trout in the outlet. I set up my AllRod AllFly system in the 10’6 Spey configuration and waded out above the first riffle. Dan sent up the drone and recorded a big bully smashing my orange streamer as it swung across. That’s always been one of my favorite species, and it was so satisfying to capture it in that manner.
Flylords: What challenges did you face in bringing this film to life, especially being in such a remote location?
Lungren: The weather is unpredictable in the mountains of northwestern Canada, and we certainly had a few tenuous moments. A big lightning storm showed up out of nowhere when we were filming at the outflow of the home lake, forcing us to hunker under some trees until a break in the weather gave us a window to run back to the lodge, praying we didn’t get hit by a lightning bolt in open water. Mosquitos are a fact of life, and you always need to keep an eye out for grizzly bears and moose. All said, though, we had a wonderful trip and no major disasters.
Flylords: Who are some of the people who made this film possible? Any ‘Thank you’s” or dedications you want to make?
Lungren: Cameraman Dan Favato deserves so much credit for his beautiful cinematography that captured the essence of that place and those people. Executive Producer Gil Greenberg surfaced the story, caught a lot of great fish, and provided that family connection to the LaFaves. Max Benz provided a final edit that really made the film and narrative pop. Nick Reygaert shared great feedback and insight. Of course, we couldn’t have done it without Warren, Shawn, Taylor, and Anita LaFave, as well as our guides Emmett Collens and Jared Marsh, and the rest of the lodge staff. A huge thank-you to every one of them, as well as to my wonderful wife, Leah, who gave me encouragement and support at every turn throughout this project.
Watch the Film
The 2026 Fly Fishing Film Tour is on the road, bringing another exciting lineup of captivating stories from the water to the big screen. If you want to watch the films in this year’s Behind the Lens series, check out the F3T Tour Schedule and purchase tickets for a show near you!
Follow along as we explore the latest fly fishing news and controversial opinions in This Week in Fly Fishing with Jared and Wills. In this episode, Matthew Schultz with Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters joins the crew to talk about the concerning conservation issues the Boundary Waters are facing. We also discuss Sitka’s new Fish Collection, Captain’s for Clean Water’s latest legislation push, and test our skills in a blind light beer test of fishing guides’ favorites. Tune in for the news that matters and the debates that every angler has an opinion on.
Yellowstone National Park’s fly fishing season has, for years, opened on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. That opening date will be moved back to May 1, 2026, for three rivers inside the park. The Firehole, the Madison, and the Gibbon will all open at the first of the month to extend these rivers’ fishing seasons.
“The earlier opening date of May 1 will align fishing access with more optimal angling and water conditions,” Yellowstone officials said in a press release. “No adverse impacts to the fisheries are anticipated with this extension.”
The Firehole will be open for its entire length above Old Faithful, and down to its confluence with the Gibbon. The Gibbon River will be open from its confluence with the Firehole, up to Norris Junction, at the bridge on Grand Loop Road. The Madison will be open for its entire length within the park, upstream from the Wyoming – Montana state line.
This opening will allow anglers to take advantage of these historic fisheries earlier in the season, before warming summer temperatures often impose closures on most, if not all, sections of these rivers within the park. Taking this winter’s warmth and lack of snowfall into consideration as well, the seasons for these rivers inside Yellowstone would likely have been incredibly short, if they were only opened at their usual date.
Most of the other storied fishing areas within Yellowstone will open at their normal time, the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. The season is still scheduled to be closed on Oct. 31.
You can read up on other Yellowstone regulations here.
The Potomac River is facing one of the most severe environmental crises in its history after a catastrophic wastewater pipe failure sent hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Nation’s River.
On January 19, a section of the Potomac Interceptor pipeline ruptured in Montgomery County, just five miles upstream of Washington, DC. The 60-year-old sewage main carries roughly 60 million gallons of untreated wastewater each day from the DC metropolitan area to DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Southeast DC.
By February 15, an estimated 300 million gallons of raw sewage had spilled into the river. Downstream water samples initially recorded E. coli concentrations more than 10,000 times above acceptable safety thresholds. Although bacteria levels have declined since the initial breach, they continue to exceed Environmental Protection Agency standards by alarming margins.
Since the rupture, response crews have worked to contain the flow, diverting wastewater into the C&O Canal and implementing emergency mitigation measures. While those efforts have reduced ongoing discharges, early containment proved inconsistent and reports from DC Water have been misleading. The full ecological consequences remain uncertain—but the outlook is troubling for fish, wildlife, and migratory species preparing for their spring runs.
“Raw sewage from a 60-year-old pipe has vomited roughly 300 million gallons into the Potomac River and is still not fully contained,” said Betsy Nicholas of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network. “Water testing collected nine days after the start of the disaster by PRKN and University of Maryland scientists still shows fecal bacteria levels more than 2,700 times the safe limit established by Maryland and Virginia. We are long past the time for DC authorities to issue a public health warning for recreational use. People want to know if the river is safe. Right now, the Potomac River is not safe!”
Underscoring this disaster for the Potomac River and eventually the Chesapeake Bay are aging and overstressed wastewater systems in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and in other regions. The Potomac Intercepter pipeline is over 50 years old and while the exact cause of this breach remains an unknown, one has to wonder if better oversight or maintenance could have prevented this disaster. What’s even worse, is while this event dumped nearly 300 million gallons of raw sewage into the river in a short period of times, there are numerous wastewater outflows along Chesapeake Bay tributaries that still, even in 2026, release sewage into our waterways during rain events.
“We recognize that describing response actions and infrastructure details does not erase the environmental impact or the concern this incident caused. For those who live near the river, recreate on it, or work every day to protect it, witnessing this unfold was distressing. We hear that clearly,” said DC Water CEO David Gadis.
He added that the failure reflects a national challenge. Much of the infrastructure protecting America’s waterways was built decades ago, before modern environmental standards, rapid population growth, and intensifying climate pressures. The rupture, he said, reinforces the need for sustained investment and vigilance.
Gussie Maguire, a Staff Scientist from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation shared a similar sentiment. “Maryland, D.C., and Virginia have made significant investments in recent years towards reducing wastewater pollution. However, this incident proves that consistent pipe and infrastructure maintenance, and continued diligence, are still needed to protect our drinking water and wildlife across the region.”
DC Water appears to have stopped overflows into waterways, but work remains to fully account for the damage done, determine the cause of the pipe break, and prevent future releases of raw sewage. While this is first and foremost a public health crisis, the ecological toll could be lasting especially on the migratory fish species like striped bass and shad making their way up the Potomac in just a few short weeks to spawn. The nutrient loading could act as jet fuel to the Chesapeake Bay’s annual dead zone.
As the region confronts the aftermath of this spill, one truth is clear: clean water infrastructure is not optional. It is foundational. Protecting our rivers demands sustained public investment, rigorous oversight, and policies that prioritize the long-term health of our waterways—across the Potomac, the Chesapeake, and beyond.
Each winter, brands bring new and updated gear to the Denver Fly Fishing Show. It’s a chance to see what’s changing, what’s being refined, and what products are making their way into anglers’ hands in the coming season. We spent time on the show floor focusing on rods, reels, apparel, and accessories that stood out with thoughtful design and practical improvements. These are the products that caught our attention at the 2026 Denver Fly Fishing Show.
All products featured on Flylords are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The new 2026 Recon series from Orvis packs Helios-inspired technology into a mid-range priced rod. Redesigned to be about 20 percent stronger than its predecessor, Recon rods aim to balance durability with performance across both fresh and saltwater. With a wide range spanning 3-11wt in their freshwater lineup and 6-11wt in salt, Recon is positioned as a do-everything, go-anywhere tool for anglers who want high-end castability without flagship pricing.
ORVIS HYDROS REEL
The Hydros has long been Orvis’s best-selling reel, known for durability and reliability. This updated version builds on that reputation with a fully machined and anodized frame, an improved fully sealed drag, and a large-arbor design for faster line pickup. A redesigned, ergonomic drag knob improves adjustability, and the reel now features tool-free retrieve conversion, addressing one of the main limitations of the previous generation.
ORVIS RATIO REEL
The Ratio reel represents a clear step forward in Orvis’s saltwater lineup. Built around a strength-to-weight focused design, it pairs a rigid frame with a large, easy-to-adjust drag knob and a sealed drag system intended for demanding saltwater use. Available in gold, blackout, and silver/deep finishes, and spanning sizes III through VI, the Ratio is positioned as Orvis’s most performance-driven saltwater reel to date, emphasizing control and stopping power.
The Arrow is Sage’s take on a true multi-application rod, built to cover a wide range of freshwater scenarios. Designed with a fast, responsive blank, it’s intended to balance power and feel across different techniques, from dries to streamers. Arrow sits as a versatile option in Sage’s lineup.
Power R8 is a newer rod in Sage’s lineup, built on their R8 material platform, designed with an emphasis on speed and power. At around $1,100, it sits firmly in the premium category and reflects Sage’s continued focus on high-end materials and modern rod design.
The Classic Trout is a simple, traditional reel that leans into sound and feel. It has a pronounced audible retrieve, straightforward control, and a look that pairs naturally with lighter rods. Fully machined and built to be fished often, it’s a reel designed for everyday trout fishing without unnecessary complexity.
The SDX represents Abel’s most robust reel platform to date, engineered for heavy saltwater and Spey applications with an extra-large arbor, rapid line pickup of up to 17.5 inches per turn, and a sealed drag system. Built for sustained pressure and long runs, the SDX prioritizes control, capacity, and durability in demanding environments.
The Cimarron LT builds directly on the original Cimarron, retaining its classic look while updating the platform for lighter weight and improved performance. A reworked frame with aggressive porting reduces weight, while a smooth composite disc drag and refined hardware bring the reel up to modern standards.
The Asquith is G. Loomis’s top-end fly rod platform, covering both freshwater and saltwater applications. Updated for 2026, the latest version feels slightly lighter in swing weight with more consistent recovery through the cast, especially at longer distances. Premium components and a refined reel seat round out a rod built for anglers who value precision, consistency, and build quality enough to justify the price.
The AIR 2 5-piece rods bring Winston’s award-winning material platform into a travel format, delivering the classic Winston action in a compact design that fits easily into packs, carry-ons, or backcountry kits. Smooth loading, accuracy, and fast line speed define each model, setting a new standard for high-performance packable trout rods.
A utility-oriented seat bag that turns the back of most molded boat seats into practical storage. It stays out of the way while keeping essentials organized and easy to reach. The removable storage pack and lash points give anglers spots for tools and small gear without crowding deck space.
Another solid accessory from NRS, this stripping basket integrates directly into their molded thigh hook system found on Slipstream and Approach fishing rafts. It keeps loose line in the raft without adding bulk, fitting cleanly into a raft setup.
The Pilothouse Pro represents a shift for Costa, pairing their established lens clarity with Z87.1+ certified impact protection. It’s the first time Costa has built a sunglass around protective standards, adding a layer of safety without compromising visibility or comfort on the water.
Skwala’s RS Bib follows their core approach: design gear around how anglers actually move on the water. The RS bib prioritizes mobility and weather protection without the bulk of traditional foul-weather gear. Stretch materials, practical zipper placement, and reinforced knees make it a piece designed for long days when you’re casting, rowing, and kneeling.
A standard brown trout from the creek. Photo: Spencer Durrant
My daughter is nine months old, and she’s gone through more than the usual trouble with sleep. Between colic, reflux, and coming into the world six weeks early, her relationship with sleep took a while to develop.
Now she’s at the point where she doesn’t want to fall asleep at bedtime because anything is more interesting than her crib. Whether it’s our two dogs, the ceiling fan, or the zipper on her pajamas, it’s been hard to get her to calm down enough to sleep lately.
This is where good fishing stories have saved the day (and my sanity).
You’re supposed to read to your kids for a number of reasons. There’s all the usual stuff about strengthening emotional bonds and quality time, but apparently it helps with brain development and language acquisition, too. But as I’ve taken over bedtime duties lately (partly to give my wife a break, and partly because I haven’t been home as much as I’d like) I’ve started to think about how best to introduce this little baby to fly fishing.
We started with a few rambling retellings of my recent days on the water, but without a physical book to read from, my stories all seemed to end the same way: with dad having caught an enormous trout, when it looked all but certain I wouldn’t. I’m not sure how I always end up the hero when I tell the stories, but you can’t blame me for taking some creative liberties, can you?
Now, I’ve dug out all my old copies of John Gierach books, and we’re working our way through The View From Rat Lake. He’s a much better storyteller than I am, and one thing I’ve always admired about John is the ability he has to take something so mundane, and write an engrossing essay about it.
Take the second essay from Standing in a River Waving a Stick. John manages to make an afternoon at a new-to-him bass pond with Mike Clark and John Barr into a chapter-length story that has all the elements of a good tale, with none of the pretension. That’s not an easy thing to do, and it got me thinking: what is it, exactly, that makes a fishing story good? Why do some of these stand out in our minds forever, like Tom McGuane’s The Longest Silence, or Callan Wink’s Fly Fishing with Jim Harrison, or, of course, Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It.
I’m no expert at writing, but I enjoy reading stories, and what I think endears us to some authors and books more than others is this: the best fishing stories are also just great stories. They have a clear beginning, middle, and some sort of ending, even if it’s anticlimactic. In some ways, you feel like you’re there on the water, making the cast yourself; in others, these stories make you think about life outside of fishing. But they don’t get preachy or meander through an endless garden of similes about how fly fishing is really some path to enlightenment.
I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who appreciates good stories, who wouldn’t also like something by Gierach or McGuane. It might not be their cup of tea, but the reason both those men made a living from writing has an awful lot to do with their ability to tell a story that keeps your attention. In today’s world, that’s no easy feat.
So, as I focus on putting together my own stories to tell my daughter while she falls asleep, I need to take a page out of their book. Instead of stories where I always end up catching the big one, I just need to shoot it straight, something I think parents have always struggled with, especially with their first child.
Hopefully, my daughter will fall asleep to my stories, too.
I love fly fishing in the winter. The solitude, the quiet, the snow (at least, in years when we have it) all combine to make a beautiful experience that you don’t quite get the rest of the year.
As such, I’ve developed—largely through trial and error—a layering system that keeps me warm, dry, and going for as long as my fingers will allow it. It’s nothing new or revolutionary, but it works.
I do recommend brand-specific gear here, and that’s for a reason. I’ve gone through quite a few base, mid, and outer layers over the years. The ones I reach for now are the most durable, and to me, that means they’re the best bang for my buck. I haven’t tried every product under the sun, but these are the ones I know I can always depend on.
Wool is King
A quick note before we get into the products themselves: I’m an avid fan of wool. Merino wool, in particular, has been a game-changer for my winter fishing endeavors. It’s light, insulates well, and doesn’t stink too bad, so you don’t have to wash it between every trip (although, you probably should).
Merino wool, in particular, does have one shortcoming, especially when it comes to using it as a base or mid-layer. The stuff just isn’t as durable as other fabrics. I’ve worn more holes into merino wool long johns than I care to count, and my wife just patched my current pair for the third time a few weeks ago.
With that in mind, I have started branching out and looking at other materials. I’ve been surprised by what I’ve found, and while I don’t know that I’ll completely ditch wool, there are other great options out there.
You can’t go wrong with anything from Darn Tough, but the Heavyweight Over-the-Calf Hunting Sock has been my go-to for over a decade. I scoffed, initially, at paying $35 for a pair of socks. In a decade of heavy use (for both winter fishing and elk hunts) I’ve only had to replace them once. They’re extremely durable, warm, and offer just a bit of extra warmth on your legs when wading in the winter.
Vertx is perhaps better known for holsters and bags, but they partnered with 37.5 to create a stellar long john-style Merino Wool Base Layer Pant. These are the base layer I reach for whenever it’s cold outside, if I’m chasing trout or hunting elk. They’re surprisingly durable, for a merino-based product, and they’ve lasted longer than any other wool base layer pant I’ve used.
Patagonia’s Capilene fabric is the first non-wool product I’ve used in years, and it quickly made me wonder if I’ve missed out on other synthetic fabrics. Capilene is made from recycled polyester, with a lofted grid texture that both traps heat and allows your body to breathe. I swapped out my regular merino layers for the Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Bottom on a recent fishing trip, and was just as warm as I normally am. I’ve also worn other Capilene layers for skiing, and the fabric continues to impress me. That it’s not thin merino wool bodes well for its long-term durability, as well.
Grid-fleece lined for maximum warmth and durability
Water repellent finish
MSRP: $169.00
Another non-wool product that I’ve quickly fallen head-over-heels for is the R2 TechFace Pant from Patagonia. I’ve used, and enjoyed, their R2 TechFace hoodie for a while now, but the pants are a great option for someone who wants something cheaper than wool, but that insulates virtually as well. These also boast a water-repellent finish, so if your waders do leak, you theoretically won’t get soaked as quickly as if you were wearing cotton. These are a great layer to wear over long johns, and directly underneath your waders. Plus, they look nice enough you can wear them to grab food after fishing, without feeling like you’ve gone out to eat in your pajamas.
95% merino wool construction for best warmth and comfort
MSRP: $219.00
The Skwala Thermo 350 Pants are my go-to for winter fishing (and skiing, and anything outside, really). These are 95% heavy-weight merino wool, and I’ve used them for three or four seasons now with virtually no signs of wear or abuse. They’ve stood up extremely well to long hours in waders, in the truck, and plenty of walking around. They’re as warm as you’d expect heavyweight merino to be, and just as comfortable, too. This is a classic example of Skwala’s company ethos in over-building a product, only to have it be perfect for its intended use case. If you spend a lot of time in the cold, and you love wool, you can’t go wrong with the Thermo 350. You’ll pay more for it, but I think it’s worth the cost.
Unbeatable Shetland wool quality, warmth, and durability
Filson’s legendary build quality
MSRP: $329.00
Filson doesn’t make cheap gear, and their Shetland 5-Gauge Wool Sweater is no exception. Most genuine Shetland wool sweaters are spendy, though. This wool is a bit scratchy, but worn over a light T-shirt, you won’t notice it. What you will notice is the fabric’s ability to trap heat, regulate your body temp, and stay warm even when it gets wet. I’m going on my second winter with this layer, and it’s quickly become the go-to layer underneath my outer shell. This, with a light shirt underneath, is enough to keep me warm and going all day long. It’s also held up well to the few flies I’ve snagged in it, my 8-month-old daughter’s penchant for grabbing and pulling, and my dogs’ love to chew on everything. This is a sweater I’ll have for life, and I plan to fish in it forever.
The Capilene Midweight Crewneck is a great layer option for the middle of winter, or even early spring. If you’re hiking a lot, rowing the boat most of the day, or just don’t get as cold as the rest of us, this is a great layer to wear by itself under your shell, or underneath a heavier sweater or other mid-layer option. Built from the same recycled Capilene fabric that’s quickly worked its way into my closet, you won’t be disappointed at this piece’s ability to keep you warm and dry.
If you want something that’s a bit in between the two layers already offered here, the Skwala Thermo 350 Hoody is probably your best bet. Built from the same heavyweight merino wool as their Thermo 350 pant, the hoody is a half-zip option that’s been surprisingly great for me. Whether I’m using it on the ski slope, or out on the river, it’s often warm enough on its own that I just need a light shell to stay toasty. I’ll even wear this by itself on warmer winter, or early spring days, as well.
The last option for mid-layer tops is another non-wool pick that I’ve come to enjoy a lot. During a recent cold snap, and day on the water, I opted for the R2 TechFace Pullover as the layer underneath my outer shell. I was astounded at both the comfort of this piece, and how it didn’t make me feel too warm, even beneath a shell. It’s more comfortable than the similar R2 TechFace Hoody, and I love the large pocket. That’s a missing feature on similar mid-weight layers from other manufacturers right now.
Outer Layers
Outer layers are much more personal to pick, and in my experience, this is where you have almost too many options to choose from. I still default to pieces from a lot of the companies above, because they offer everything I’m looking for in both warmth, but not making me feel like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
So, while the below options are what I use and would highly recommend, you can really go off in any direction here to find the right outer layer for you. My suggestion is to pick something that insulates, but doesn’t contain you with unnecessary bulk. Water-resistance and windbreaking are two must-have features, as well.
Unique design that doesn’t bunch when casting or rowing
MSRP: $349.00
The Fusion 3/2 Puffy is my go-to outer layer for all but the worst conditions. It’s essentially Skwala’s answer to Patagonia’s ubiquitous puffy, and in many ways, it succeeds. It’s designed and cut to move with you, so it won’t bunch up when you’re casting or rowing for extended periods of time. The insulation is also built to stretch and move with you, so you don’t end up with patches of the jacket that are essentially empty. The 3/2 Fusion has a water-resistant outer shell that does a decent job of cutting the wind, as well. This, layered over any of the mid layer options I mentioned earlier, is all you’ll need for most winter fishing.
The Fitz Roy Trout Hoody is a lighter option for an outer shell, but I’ve worn it both skiing and fishing this winter, and come away amazed at how well it holds up to the cold and the wind. If you’re fishing on a warmer day, or there’s not much wind forecasted, this is the perfect lighter shell that’ll help keep you warm and dry. The shell is built from 100% recycled polyester, and the insulation is PrimaLoft Gold, also made from recycled material.
The Skwala RS Outpost Jacket is ridiculous. It’s $700, and at first glance, it looks too bulky to be of much use. But since Skwala made it, this jacket is surprisingly nimble. I wore it on two frigid trips in recent weeks, and I rowed the drift boat on both of them. The Outpost never bunched up, or kept me from using my usual range-of-motion. It’s also insanely warm, and I only needed a light mid-layer underneath it to stay toasty in temps below 25F. It’s completely waterproof, stuffed with 150 grams of Toray 3DeFX+ spiral insulation, and so nice it almost feels like a wintertime cheat code. If you opt for this jacket, you’re buying likely the only heavy-duty outer layer you’ll ever need. If you spend time steelheading, fishing in any kind of humidity, or fighting the wind here in the Rockies, this just might be worth the splurge.
I’m a hard sell when it comes to fly fishing waders. I wore uncomfortable, cheap ones for years, to the point that I genuinely hated waders. I’d start wet-wading in May, and continue into November if the weather held. When I splurged on my first pair of good waders, it was a game-changer. I didn’t feel like I was wearing a space suit; I stayed warm and dry, and the extra pockets were a welcome addition to my kit.
Waders have come a long way since then, and you don’t have to drop $1,000 to get a pair that’ll last. I am, however, firmly convinced that you get what you pay for when it comes to waders. Case in point: I bought a pair from a company that no longer makes waders. It was their higher-end option, and I think I spent $300 or so. A seam split on my second outing, so of course, they covered a new pair. Well, that pair also saw a seam split. And so did the next one. To help you avoid the same fate and sort through the countless offerings available, we tested the best fly fishing waders of 2026.
All products featured on Flylords are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Photo: Alex Stulce
I’ve personally used all the waders listed. I’ve had the chance to extensively test them in a variety of environments, from hiking through the Alaskan forest to chasing cutthroat in Wyoming. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend anything on this list to folks looking to get a new pair of waders.
You’ll notice that Orvis is absent from the list. That’s not on purpose. I’ve used and enjoyed Orvis waders in the past. They’ve recently updated their wader lineup, though, and I haven’t had the chance to test them yet. I’ll update this review once I’ve received a pair to use.
I fish roughly 150 days a year, so I’m on the water enough to see how durable these waders are. Some have sprung leaks, some have held strong, and others have worked their way to the forefront. This list is focused on men’s waders; for waders specific to women, check out our thoughts HERE.
I waffled between putting the Skwala RS or the Grundens Boundary in the top spot. Both are supreme waders, but the RS Waders won out by virtue of their design. This was one of the first products that Skwala came to market with a few years ago, and they knew it had to be excellent. What Skwala focuses on in all their gear, but I think it plays out the most in their waders, is building gear around an angler’s needs. They rethought everything about wader design and function to create a bomber-style piece that moves with you. Need to scramble over logs or rocks? No problem. Need to hike for a mile or so before you get to that honey hole? It won’t even feel like you’re wearing waders.
The RS Waders don’t inhibit your movement whatsoever, which is one of the biggest gripes I had against most waders. I’ve had a pair since they were released (roughly four years ago now), and I just finally had to send them in for repair. Skwala’s warranty service is quick and excellent, and based in Bozeman, Montana. The only downside to the RS Waders is their cost. $850 is a lot for most anglers, but if you’re on the water a lot or simply want a wader that’ll stand up to rigorous abuse, the RS Wader is for you.
Since the RS is built to be an ultra-durable, bomber-style piece, it’s a bit too heavy to wear during the warmest months of the year. If you’re someone who doesn’t wet wade, that might be something to consider as well.
If I were buying a pair of waders based purely on comfort, the Boundary Waders would be near the top of the list. It’s hard to overstate just how well these waders fit me (and I’ve got enough of a Mountain Dew and chicken wing gut that finding anything that fits right is a challenge), and how I’d often forget I was wearing them.
These were the first waders Grundens came to market with when they decided to enter the fly fishing space a few years ago. They do use GORE-TEX, so you have that product’s reputation of reliability and durability. Grundens also redesigned the shoulder straps, making them wider and thinner. They’re noticeably the most comfortable on the market, and they’re easy to adjust.
The only knock on the Boundary Wader is the gravel guard design. Grundens opted for a woven-knit guard without a hook, so they tend to ride up a bit after long days of wading. At $599, they’re reasonably priced and might be the best value wader on the market.
Comfortable and adjustable hook and loop suspender system
Magnetic quick-access pocket
4-layer Gore-Tex construction
MSRP: $1,000
Pros
Comfortable and durable design
Innovative wader strap design
Good amount of storage space
Cons
Expensive
Size up for proper fit
New for 2026, Sitka, a legacy hunt brand, has entered the fly fishing market with an entire lineup of new products. Included in this lineup are two pairs of waders, the CrossCurrent Zip GTX and CrossCurrent GTX. While mostly the same, the Zip GTX features a zip-front system, which many are accustomed to in premium waders. The zip-front model retails for $1,000, which is at the top end for premium waders.
On the water, the Sitka waders are comfortable, as long as you get the sizing right. They are definitely not true to size compared to other wader brands. In all our testing across models, we recommend sizing up by one wader size for the best fit.
The best benefit of the CrossCurrent series is the 4-layer Gore-Tex construction. Most waders opt for a 3-layer system, and when they do use a 4-layer system, it’s for areas like the legs. In terms of durability, the complete 4-layer construction provides added durability for thick brush and hard fishing. While you’ll pay a premium for them, they are built to last.
The Swfitcurrent Traverse Zip-Front Waders are the most comfortable ones I’ve ever worn. Comfort in waders is largely about fit (although weight matters, too), and Patagonia has an extensive size range that helps you dial in the fit. These waders move with you, provide a full range of motion, and you get a quality zip-front wader for less than $600, which is outstanding. Throw in Patagonia’s legendary quality, and you’ve got a winner.
The only reason these waders didn’t steal the top spot from the Skwala RS Waders is the awful pocket design. First off, you don’t have handwarming pockets on these. Patagonia apparently considers those an “upgrade” because you’ll get handwarming pockets on the Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders (their top-of-the-line option). Also, Patagonia put the zippers for the chest pockets on the inside, near the front zipper. It’s an awkward placement and takes some getting used to. Those problems aside, I’m hard-pressed to find a better value than what you get from the Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip-Front Waders.
The Skwala Carbon waders are a fantastic piece of gear. They’re incredibly light, clocking in at just under 41 ounces in a large size. They are designed to excel in those situations when it’s 80 or 90 degrees outside, but the water is still a balmy 58. They’re light enough to throw in a pack and haul in for a day of exploring the backcountry, but stout enough to handle abuse and keep you warm when the temps drop.
Skwala also designed a wonderful magnetic-release shoulder strap system that eliminates buckles. That gets rid of bulk, weight, and the magnetic release system is simpler than buckles. If you’re just looking for a simple, bare-bones wader that’ll last forever, keep you dry, and won’t break the bank, the Carbons need to be on your list.
The only knock here is that Skwala didn’t include a pass-through pocket. You have a single zippered drop-in chest pocket. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but I love a pass-through pocket on waders that aren’t zip-front.
The Grundens Vector waders are different enough from the Boundarys that they don’t feel like a pared-down version of that flagship product. The Vector waders stand on their own, and they do a great job of it. Grundens built these with a focus on durability, so you have a 4-layer laminate material throughout the entire wader. Most waders are built with four layers of material in the lower (from the waist down) and three layers in the upper, to reduce weight and increase breathability.
The Vector waders definitely feel hefty, and they’ve stood up well to abuse. I appreciate the molded kneepads, as well, and the unique chest storage. There’s a center zipper that allows access to a wide chest pocket. It runs vertically instead of horizontally. I’m not sure why Grundens made that design choice, but it works well. You won’t run out of storage in these waders, and you have handwarming pockets, as well.
The only thing I don’t like is how in-your-face the branding is. The bright orange Grundens is a nod to their styling of waterproof gear favored by commercial fishermen. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s interesting Grundens chose to go that route when they avoided overt branding with the Boundary waders.
New material and design tech, resulting in top-tier product
Made in Montana
Cons
Expensive
The Simms G4Z is an amazing wader. I love my pair. And when I initially reviewed them, I spent over 2,000 words talking about all the new stuff Simms packed into their flagship product.
The short of it is this: Simms found a way to reduce the layers of fabric needed to secure their waterproof zipper. The zipper isn’t stiff and unworkable like previous iterations, and it lies flat on your chest now, as well.
The G4Z uses the same 4-layer fabric in the lower that’s been proven in previous iterations of the G4 and G3 product lines. Simms stacked tons of pockets on the G4Z, and also reworked the suspenders. You adjust their length through a clip, eliminating buckles and streamlining how the waders hang on your shoulders.
Simms also sells the G4Z in 19 standard sizes, so you can dial in your fit precisely. This is important because fit matters both for comfort and durability in waders. A wader that doesn’t fit you right will put undue stress on certain seams, making failure all the more likely.
If you want the latest and greatest in material technology and wader design, it’s hard to find something that’s better than the G4Z. These things are bomb-proof waders that are just at home in an Olympic Peninsula steelhead river as they are on Montana’s Big Horn. All that tech, and making them in Bozeman, comes at a hefty price, though; $999.95 is a big pill to swallow.
FAQs
Q: What are the best fly fishing waders?
The fly fishing market has a lot of great wader options. Ranging from lightweight packable waders to heavy-duty, cold-weather waders and everything in between. The best wader for one type of fishing may not be the best for another type of fishing. To find the best pair of fly fishing waders for you, think about how you fish. Then you can look at waders that are made for your style of fishing to get the best performance out of your purchase.
Q: What should you wear under fly fishing waders?
Anglers should be cognizant of what they wear under fly fishing waders. These days, there are many specialized under-wader pants (see our favorites HERE) to get the most out of a day on the water. In general, these pants are soft and moisture-wicking. This helps your legs breathe under the waders. In addition, softness is key to not rubbing on internal seams and shortening the life of your waders. Pants like jeans are a sure way to rub through internal seams, leaving you with leaky waders.
Q: Do you need waders to fly fish?
Waders and fly fishing generally go hand in hand, but there are times when you don’t need waders. As water and air temperatures warm in the summer, waders can be heavy and taxing. This is the time to opt for wet wading. Quick-drying shorts or pants are great for wet wading during the warmer months.
Final Thoughts
Waders are an investment, but in a product that will eventually fail. If you expect your waders to last forever, you’ll be disappointed. That’s why I opt to spend more on my waders. I want the ones that’ll last the longest, have the best warranty, and are the most comfortable. You might get lucky and run a pair of big-box store waders for 5 years with no problems, but that’s often the exception, not the rule.
Dialing in the right fit and properly caring for and storing your waders will extend their life more than anything else. Try on waders and buy them from your local fly shop when possible, and make sure you always store them hanging up. Don’t let them stay crumpled and damp in the back seat of your truck. Your cab will stink, your waders will mildew, they’ll leak, and then you’ll be on the hunt for new waders.
