Guided Float/Wade Fishing in Bozeman, MT.

Our Bozeman, Mt. fly fishing trips are most always float trips with wading options, when the situation calls for it. We are fly fishing guides first and foremost, so we are going to get guests out of the boat when wade fishing is more effective and keep them in the boats when floating is more effective. Most of the day is spent fishing from the boat, because that is the best way to fly fish the Bozeman rivers.

"What kind of footwear do we wear on our guided trip?" is one of the most common questions we hear during the days before a trip. Here, we go into more detail than you'll find in our day trip packing list, explaining the footwear needs throughout the season for anglers on our Bozeman fly fishing guide trips.

Use of Gear and What We Recommend

We provide waders and boots on our guided fly fishing trips, so anglers are covered if they don’t have their own gear. For anglers who prefer to bring their own boots or waders, stick with a rubber or felt-soled boot with good ankle support. We rarely wear waders during the heart of the season unless the weather is cool and wet.

• We recommend the Skwala RS Wading Boot for anglers who fish several times a year and want a dedicated wading boot.
• The Simms Freestone Wading Boot is a lightweight, durable option that provides solid ankle support.
• Studs or metal bars are not recommended. They are great for wade fishing, but never a good thing to bring when fishing out of a drift boat.

Wet Wading & Neoprene Socks

As the season moves into summer, most days turn into wet wading. Instead of waders, we will hop out of the boat for a few minutes and fish a run in a lighter shoe or sandal. Having a quick-dry wet wading shoe like the Orvis Approach Boot gives anglers the advantage of having comfortable, quick river access without having to bake in the summer heat in a pair of waders.

Neoprene socks help quite a bit. They keep feet warm and fill out bulk wading boots when not accompanied by waders. For anglers looking to bring their own boots and waders, having a pair of neoprene socks will make wearing wading boots without waders comfortable, while still providing all the advantages that a wading boot offers.

Bring a pair of heavy wool socks if you'd like to try wet wading in our boots for a day. They will help protect from chaffing and keep your feet comfortable in the summer heat.

Summertime Footwear for Float Trips

In the summertime, waders and wading boots aren’t part of most trips, and anglers rarely need to get out of the boat. When it does happen, it’s usually quick and involves wet wading.

Footwear is simple. Anglers want something that will stay on their feet, provide support, and handle getting wet. Flip-flops don’t work if you plan to wade. A sandal or lightweight shoe that straps on is the better option.

Chacos or Tevas are solid choices. They dry fast and have enough support for stepping out of the boat to fish a spot for a few minutes. Fly lines tend to get wrapped around loose things, so go for sandal models that keep the straps secure.

Sandals or lightweight quick-dry boots pair well with quick-drying pants, a sun hoodie, a hat, and sunglasses.

Water shoes are another if sandals aren't your thing and you would like some added traction. The Simms Pursuit Shoe is a nice option for these scanrios.

Think simple: comfort that stays on and dries fast.

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