With summer heat in full swing, and no relief in sight, now is the perfect time to make sure you’re ready to enjoy the water and keep the fish safe while you’re at it. Around the shop, we love this time of year. There’s nothing quite like stepping into a cool river without waders and feeling the flow on your legs. It’s one of the best parts of summer fishing.

But with so many gear options out there, it can be tricky to know what’s worth it. That’s why we’ve pulled together our favorite wet wading essentials — the ones we swear by and use ourselves all summer long.

When it comes to wet wading, don’t underestimate the importance of a good sock. Quick-drying neoprene or polyester socks are a must-have. They make your boots or shoes feel more comfortable and, more importantly, help protect your feet from sand, sticks, and sharp debris that can cause irritation or even keep you off the water altogether.

Here are some top choices we love:

• Simms Guide Guard Socks and Patagonia Yulex Guard Socks – Tried-and-true favorites among wet waders.
• Simms Flyweight Socks and Simms Neoprene Socks – A bit thinner, these work great with more casual shoes like the Astral Brewer 3.0. This shoe has quickly become a shop favorite for any activity on the water.

For footwear, one standout is the Simms Flyweight Access Wet Wading Shoe. With a cuffed ankle design, you can wear them barefoot or pair them with a thin poly liner sock, depending on your preference.

If you like layering, try the Patagonia Ultralightweight Liner Sock or Simms Guide Wet Wading Sock. Both are excellent choices to wear with neoprene socks or directly in your wading shoe.

As fun as summer wet wading is, we also need to be mindful of our fishy friends. While double dry fly season is here and we are still finding happy fish, things can get awry this time of year. Warmer water can be stressful (and even dangerous) for fish, especially when temps hit 70°F and above.

That’s why we always carry a stream thermometer this time of year. It helps us make informed decisions about when (and if) we should be fishing.

Here are two favorites from the shop:

• Fishpond Digital Thermometer – Super easy to read and quickly becoming the go-to option.
• Angler’s Accessories 5" Glass Thermometer – Classic and reliable, this one’s a longtime favorite for many of us.

Wet wading is one of summer’s simple pleasures, and having the right gear makes all the difference. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade, these essentials will help you stay comfortable, safe, and responsible while enjoying the water.

Got questions or need help picking the right setup? Swing by the shop — we’re always happy to help you get geared up for a great day on the water!