WADERS

My Bass Pro Shop White River waders I've had for the past 3/4 years have begun to fall apart this summer.  Last year a small leak started in the neoprene boot on my right foot.  I know there was no fixing that, and it really didn't bother me much.

Well, this summer the leak became worse, and then another leak started somewhere on my right leg started....and before I can find and fix that one I stared leaking in the left leg, and above my wading belt near my pockets.

For the past 2.5 months I've still been using them, but at the end of the day, I'm pretty much wet from the belly down.  I wasn't soaked, and it doesn't get that way immediately, so, it was still tolerable.

With winter looming, and some plans (hopes) to get out there and do some cold water/weather fishing, I think it might be time to retire those leaky waders.  That leaves me with the dilemma of choosing a new pair.  There are so many out there with different prices, construction, and negatives.  I just don't know which way to go.  I've done a ton of reading and research on review, and even picked a few of my friends brains about the ones they own.

Here is what it's been narrowed down to....

I'm leaning toward the Orvis Encounter waders, because, there are 2 Orvis stores in my area, and in the event that I don't like them I won't have to go far, but one of the bad things I have found about them is they have poor boot construction on their seams.

What waders are you all using?  (Maybe there's a pair I failed to look at or consider.)

Pros - Cons of those waders?

Does anyone have any experience dealing with Orvis Customer Service for their waders??

In advance - Thank you, to all who provide me with their insight!

****Note - I have tried LL BEAN waders in the past, and they just don't fit me right, and I am well aware of their no questions asked return policy.

Snow Pike

Not wanting to pack up our fishing gear for the winter just yet. My buddy Dave (Urban Assault Fly Fishing) and I decided to take a float down the Des Plaines River just outside of Chicago, and fish for some feisty Northern Pike.

The day started out a lovely 23 degree's. We were well aware that it was going to be cold, and that we had snow in the forecast, but that did detour us one bit. We spent the first 1/2 of the day casting with no luck. After a few offering changes, Dave, was able to hook up with his first DPR Pike.

An average sized DPR Pike for Dave in the midst of some snowfall (Photo by: Myself)

As the day went on, the snow began to fall steadily, and the temperature was up and down ranging from cold to really cold. Dave continued to hook up and find these feisty pike, and totaled 3 on the day. I on the other hand, was not able to hook up with any. I did, however, have 2 really nice blow ups.

Anchored down in front of a warm water discharge. (Photo by: Dave)

Although, I was not able to hook up with any pike, I would still consider this a great outing. Floating down the Des Plaines River whiled it snowed, chucking big buck tail streamers for northern pike - Hell yeah, I'd do it again!

One of the 2 low head dams we had to portage. (Photo by: Myself)

Broke the oar in half breaking through an iced over section of river. Hand Paddle!! (Photo by: Dave)

Snow, ice, and a frozen buck tail streamer. (Photo by: Myself)

Musky.

4/0 - 6/0 hooks, grizzly hackle, buck tail - and lots of it. Musky was the focus of my thoughts the past few months, as I prepped for a 3 day trip to Flaters Resort in Holcombe, Wisconsin. The resort is located where the Chippewa and Flambeau rivers intersect. It's a small family owned/operated business with some great people. I recommend it if you're thinking about going up to the area.

Day 1 - Friday 10/11/13
We arrived early, and decided to wade and fish a dam on the Flambeau River. We were skunked. They didn't have any of the turbines open and the water was low. Should have listened to the guy who just unloaded his boat when he mentioned that the fishing would be tough for us near the dam with no turbines open.

The Fat Gordo, Fish Dank (with duck face), and myself

Shortcut! - Didn't feel like wading back up river.

After checking in, and getting dropped off with the boat only halfway in the Flambeau River, The Fat Gordo was the only person ready to fish. While Fish Dank and I set up our gear, Gordo was greeted on his first cast by a 30" musky following his buck tail spinner to the shore. Then after 10 minutes of floating Gordo gets another follow, but from a much bigger musky. It was an extremely windy day, and it did not help my mediocre casting abilities (I am the only fly fisherman. My other 2 friends were tossing big lures.) The day ended with myself and Gordo landing 2 smallies. The wind proved to be too much for me toward the end of the float. My fly came in contact with my rod 1 too many times while casting, and I broke off the tip section of my rod. (Possibly the fly hitting it. Thank goodness for that Redington warranty)

Love me some smallies

The Fat Gordo with a fat Wisco smallie.

On the hunt..

The one that got away.....in my dreams. I just love it up there!

Day 2 - Saturday 10/12/13

Floated the Chippewa River for about 9 hours. Fish Dank was the only person to land any fish - 2 northern pike and 1 smallie. No fly fishing for me, but luckily I did bring my bait caster and a small lure box. We saw tons of adult and juvenile bald eagles. We also got to see 3 deer cross the river in a rather deep stretch - pretty cool! The wind had us behind in schedule, and we floated down river in the dark for 1.5 hours - not cool - depending on me and a small head lamp to search for possible dangers ahead. We made it out safe, and to Flaters 75th Anniversary party. Free booze and sloppy joes! Can't beat that!

Blue skies in the morning.

Fish Dank and his smallie.

Northern Pike and Fish Dank

One of many bald eagles we saw. Absolutely beautiful!

Fish Dank transformed into the Gordon's Fisherman

Watching the sun set on the Chippewa River.

Day 3 - Sunday 10/13/13

Short float on the Flambeau River. Fish Dank tossed a buzz bait and hooked up with a pike. He also, had a few blow ups from another pike and a smallie. After we checked out, we stopped by another dam and fished from the shore. Saw a guy in a boat in the middle of the river catch a fat 45" musky. 

...and that concludes my trip. I miss those rivers, already. I cannot wait to return to them next year. Hopefully, multiple times...with a spare fly rod! I have a custom 10 wt being built very soon.

Enjoy some other pictures.

Maybe Santa will bring me a better camera :)

Love the colors of fall in Wisconsin.

Friday's dinner - Lamb steaks and Revolution Brewing Anti-Hero IPA.