Adding Studs to Wading Boots?

[StrBender]

I have a pair of Simms L2's with felt soles. I was thinking about using the Simms Hard Bite Studs. Do they help in the snow? I f I remove them in the spring are the felt soles ruined? I e-mailed Simms 2 weeks ago BUT THEY NEVER GOT BACK TO ME! I'm still new to this winter fishing and I don't want to find out the hard or dangerous way. I'm frustrated not knowing if I can walk 20' on packed snow with out taking my life in my hands. I haven't been to the Lamprey yet because I don't know if I could safely make it to the river with just the felt. :?

[sbeausol]

do your wading boots already have holes you can put studs into? If so, then it isn't a bad idea. They don't help in snow, but do help on ice and rocks with lots of algae or weeds on them. As for bare rocks you won't find major differences vs felt only. You will also see some added grip on flat incline/declines where the studs will dig into the ground a bit...

[Tom Jutras]

Steve
The felt soles are going to be fine for you to fish with. The studs will always help and I wouldn't hesitate to add them to the soles. If I did I would probably just leave them in all year, unless I was fishing drift boats with my waders on. One thing about winter fishing you will notice that if there is snow on the ground your soles will load up while walking. It doesn't seem to make a difference if you have studs on not.

[StrBender]

They don't have any holes. I was hoping studs would help in the snow but I guess not. How dose everyone get down to the river if there is snow on the ground? Do you walk to the waters edge then change into your waders? I would think that if the temp's are in the 40's+ then the felt wouldn't freeze up even after getting wet. Saying that and not having first hand experience myself I am probaly wrong!

[mtnzone]

street I dont use feltsole waders.. Well not true I use a waterskeeter boot that has some felt some cleats and some tread built on a hiking last.. just a nice allaround boot.

Unless you want to give some other fisherman a show, or want to freeze your n...........ts off i suggest to change before your walk donw to the river..... I just bring along a walking stick to get me to the river without falling on my buttocks.....

[ScoobyFly]

You may consider like me the strap on Korkers w/carbide studs. I too echo your concerns. Phil

[SaltH2oFly]

YOU CAN walk through the snow with your felt boots on. That's how we get down to the river. They actually have some traction. And like Tom pointed out, they will just pick up the snow so you may have to bang them on a tree or a rock or something - or when you get in the water, the water will melt the snow off. No big deal walking in the snow with felt boots on. I do it all the time...

[StrBender]

SaltH20Fly, Last Wednesday I did just that! I talked to a guide I know and he said it's not a problem, so I went for it. On the ride home I had a huge smile on my face. Now if the rivers will settle down, I can get out there again. :D