Wet wade?

[Nick Adams]

I think I'm headed down Wednesday morning. Should I bring the waders or will I be ok wet wading? I went wet at RR last week, but I never got past knee-deep. It was mostly ankle deep the water was so low.

[jdmidwest]

Tailwaters usually run colder than spring fed streams.  I would consider waders, but I don't know what your cold tolerance is.  Tailwaters are usually numbing cold and you will need to go deeper for fish.

[tjm]

RR is a spring and stays about the same  ~57F  temperature year round, it'd be okay to wet wade in winter.  I've wet waded the Elk and it's tribs in Dec. numerous times when coon hunting. On the other hand wading a glacier fed stream (~45F, I think) in Idaho on a hot August day numbed my feet and deep chilled my legs very quickly. I don't know about Taneycomo's wading temperatures (all pond fishermen take surface readings- so that's the only info out there) but, I'd sure bring waders and I'd probably have long johns on too if the dam  discharge is as cold as  50F.  If you get there and find the water warm, you don't have to wear the waders.

[Nick Adams]

Good points. Thanks

[PSUWill]

Speaking from experience. Shallow wet wading Taney is memorable. Definitely take waders if you are serious about fishing. 

[Nick Adams]

Phil's latest reports said 49 degree wtaer. Looks like I'm wearing pants under those waders.

[jdmidwest]

I have gotten away with shorts and goretex waders.  Really keeps you cool.