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Kenny Klimes
KeymasterI always say before you step into the water OBSERVE!! That includes observing the awe of our creator. What He has given us that too many times we just take for granted. Remember – It isn’t just about the fly fishing!
For those that did not attend the Altar/ FATC retreat last year, sign up for this year. The topic is all about experiencing the awe!!!
(sign ups will begin at the end of January)
Keymasteronly repair with aqua seal on the inside of the waders – not on the outside. My technique is to turn my waders inside out, dry the wader leg and one leg at a time fill with water and watch for leaks. Small leaks could take awhile but usually the leak will be at a seam. I use a ladder. Strap the inside out waders to the top of the ladder and take one leg and flip it over the top of the ladder so only one leg hangs down. Use a hose to fill the one leg (hanging down) with water and watch for leaks. Why one leg at a time? Because filling two kegs with water would be WAY too heavy to work with. Then use a Sharpie to mark where any leaks are on the inside of the waders. After finding the leaks dry the waders and apply aqua seal to the spots needed.
You can only use the alcohol technique on Gortex waders. I’ve tried it, I have gortex waders. Didn’t work well at all. I like my technique much better. 90% of the time the leak is in a seam that has been stretched out. Apply aqua seal sparingly and allow it to “flow” over the leaking area.
lastly if in the seams – make sure your waders are not too small!!
KeymasterWell, guess what I just added to my Christmas list!! Thanks John!!
KeymasterThis is a TEST forum message.
December 7, 2025 at 12:06 pm in reply to: Winter Fishing 2025: Essential Tips for Staying Warm and Safe #33024KeymasterWinter Fishing 2025: Essential Tips for Staying Warm and Safe
Winter fly fishing in Missouri offers unique rewards, but it also brings challenges—especially when it comes to staying warm and comfortable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you enjoy the catch-and-release season without freezing on the water.
1. Dress in Proper Layers
Base Layers
Choose moisture-wicking materials such as merino wool, polypropylene, or modern synthetic fabrics.
Avoid cotton entirely—this includes jeans and hoodies. Cotton retains moisture and can lead to hypothermia if it gets wet. Remember: “Cotton kills.”
Bottoms and TopsWear Under Armor or merino wool bottoms under your waders. Select the thickness based on the day’s air and water temperatures.
For your upper body, layer with Under Armor or merino wool tops of varying weights, adjusting for the weather. Army surplus stores can be a good source for affordable merino wool.
SocksAlways wear high-quality merino wool socks (brands like Smartwool are recommended). Alpaca wool is also a great option.
Check the wool content in your socks—investing in a few good pairs will keep your feet warm and dry.2. Protect Your Extremities
Head
Wear a wool cap, buff, or balaclava to retain heat and protect against wind.
HandsLayer thin nitrile gloves (the kind used by mechanics) under fingerless gloves. The nitrile keeps your hands dry, while the fingerless gloves add warmth.
If your hands are still cold, use small hand warmers in your coat pockets.
You can still tie on small flies with nitrile gloves, especially if you use a tool like the Ty-Rite.3. Outerwear and Safety
Wind and Water Protection
On cold, windy days, wear a thin waterproof jacket over your layers. This can make a significant difference in comfort and safety.
Wading BeltAlways wear a wading belt tightly around your waist. This helps prevent water from entering your waders if you fall in, reducing the risk of hypothermia.
4. On-the-Water Tips
If your rod guides freeze, dip them in the water to melt the ice. The water is usually warmer than the air and will clear the guides temporarily.
Avoid getting your reel wet, as a frozen reel can cause problems when landing a big fish. If your reel does freeze, submerge it in the water to thaw it out.
In winter, keep more line outside your reel to help manage a fish’s run if your drag freezes.5. Final Thoughts
Winter fishing can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it’s also incredibly rewarding. These tips are based on years of experience and are designed to keep you safe and comfortable on the water. If you have your own winter fishing tips, feel free to share them—I’d love to hear your ideas
KeymasterBrother Scott,
We are so thankful to God for keeping you with us and your family a little longer. Your story is one of faith, trust and education. It is said that we lose so many men to heart problems because they don’t want to “man up’ as you said. If something doesn’t feel right then get your A** to the doctor! Our bodies (could be the holy spirit too) talk to us and will tell us when something is wrong if we ONLY LISTEN!! We are so glad you listened (or actually your wife did). Kudos to her!!
Yes, we will celebrate when you are able to get on the water again. Just to let you know the guys at Altar Fly Fishing are praying for you too. Please take your time to recover. Your body will if you allow it to do just that.
If there is anything that our fellowship can do for you (more than cutting your grass) PLEASE let us know how we can help with your recover or help Alicia. Remember “It isn’t just about the fly fishing”.
Kenny
KeymasterJust checked Sierra Trading Post today (Saturday, September 27th) and they STILL have Simms G4 wading boots in decent sizes for $200 vice original price of $500. Make sure if you order you get one size larger than your shoe size. If you wear a size 11 shoe then you order a size 12. Good deal.
K
KeymasterThanks for the notification Matt!!! I owe you one! I needed wading boots bad and just as I was going to pull the trigger you saw this. Mine were ordered and I wore them for the first time last Friday!! PERFECT TIMING!
I JUST CHECKED TODAY (Wednesday and they still have many sizes) – don’t delay! Normally $500 now $200.
Kenny
KeymasterSteve,
I am right with Jim on this one. I wear Simms boots (usually the top of the line) and I too have been finding out that are lasting me 2-3 years. NOT what you would expect from their top of the line boot. I am disappointed but try to never pay their top price. I just purchased another pair (thanks to Matt McClure) on Sierra Trading Post that DID have my size available. I bought the latest G4s for $200 vice $500!!!
As Jim said my uppers have not faired so well either. I had the soles detach at around 2 years and “upper” design that they put on the boots have parts coming off. With your boots, Jim’s boots and my boots coming apart at such an early time (or at least what I feel is too early) I think I will call Simms and complain to them. The least I can do as Chairman of the largest fly fishing organization in Missouri. Maybe they will listen? ANYONE ELSE HAVING ISSUES WITH THEIR SIMMS BOOTS LET ME KNOW – [email protected]
KeymasterGreat news!! I’ll add it to our calendar!!
Thanks Mike
KeymasterHope, I’m not too late in answering. The rivers in Yellowstone fish differently at different times of the year. Finding a good fly shop can give you a clue.
Yes, as Dave mentioned my favorite river has been Soda Butte but I have fished Yellowstone usually in September. Soda Butte is near the main road and easy to get to – lots of cutthroat.
Overall, if just day to fish then maybe a guide? I found Nymphing to be best if dry fly fishing is not “active”. Good luck.KeymasterSteve,
Check out this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIzdjuJ7QJk
Think about a reach cast too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0tdJXq9pho
K
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This reply was modified 7 months ago by
Kenny Klimes.
KeymasterTo add to the “tips” – work to get your fish out of the current by bringing your rod down to the side. Try to move your fish out of the current to “softer” water to get more control over your fish.
KeymasterGreat metaphors!! I “used” to drink bourbon and now with the acid reflex it gives me I have to lay off of it too. But it’s funny how guys can relate to this when you use metaphors of bourbon or say fly fishing. To me the more we dive into the Word and work to understand Jesus’ metaphors (the disciples sure had a hard time with them) the more we understand our life and purpose.
John, you presented that fly well or made us more aware of what bourbon to really buy. I hope all of our guys understand better than the disciples did that we need the want to. And this coming book study, although some may think it is difficult to attend, better discuss it with the Master Distiller and make sure that they give it a sip or two or three.
KeymasterWell said. What more can I say. You ARE an inspiration to me and I hope many others.
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This reply was modified 7 months ago by
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