fishing in BC, YT, and Alaska

:-) Thanks for these new posts. Umm, I don't mind old water either.

The years I lived in Alaska, I kept two pairs of each, one set with rubber soles and the other with felt soles. Until Alaska figures out some way to stop the moose and bears, ducks and geese, from going from one water way to another, prohibiting felt waders is just a symbolic gesture, IMHO.

To add on to, the potential danger, mentioned by Hook, if you use chest waders, make sure you put a belt or bungee cord around the top to keep water from filling them if/when you slip and fall.

I had a couple of pair of stretchy rubber type chest waders custom made by the H.L. Leonard Co. When they were in business. They fit like a tight glove, were hot and sweaty, but much safer, IMHO.

I fished through the Yukon and Alaska and never used waders. The Russian and river was the coldest but shorts and rubber shoes was what I used. I don't mind cold water but some do. I wore shorts the whole time in Alaska my wife and other wore long pants most of the time. It depends on you metabolism.

Thanks to each of you for your suggestions and recommendations. :-)

Alaskan fish regulations are complex and vary from stream to stream depending on time of day and waxing of the moon. I suggest you get some local help to put you compliant in the right spot with the right gear.

pops

I always figured hip boots were one of the 3 required items of clothing to have in Alaska, a Filson shirt and a Helly-Hansen rain jacket being the other two.

I'd suggest a good pair of hip boots. If you're in water deep enough to need waders, I'd avoid it due to concerns about current and falling in.

On the Kenai Peninsula either waders or hip boots are needed. I use hip boots. The Kenai, Russian,and Anchor rivers would require gear that you can wade out about knee depth. Do not recommend to go deeper because of the current. If you fall with hip boots they fill with water then act as an anchor and drag you under. Chest waders can act like balloons raise your feet and legs and force your head under the current. I also wear a West Marine water activated air inflated life vest.

Hook

Consider that they each state and province has their own fishing licenses, and the highway-accessible fishing locations frequently checked by wildlife management officers. Non-resident fishing licenses get expensive quickly!

Note that in Alaska felt-soled wader boots are illegal (due to their ability to harbor invasive species)--not sure about the two provinces' laws.

If you don't mind walking in very cold water you won't need them. I would either have a pair or not be fishing except out of a boat.