Simms wades in to help Yellowstone

Simms Fishing Products is working alongside a local fishing organisation to launch a new wader which will provide financial help to the Yellowstone ecosystem, which was devastated by floods last summer.

Its Watershed stockingfoot wader has been developed alongside Montana Freshwater Partners – a collective of professionals and individuals – and is based on Simms’ multi-award-winning G3 Guide wader.

Last June, a combination of an unusual atmospheric rain event and warm overnight temperatures coincided with Montana’s peak runoff, resulting in a devastating 500-year flood event, leaving the park closed, visitors evacuated and bridges, houses and roads completely swept away.

To the residents of southwest Montana, the Yellowstone River is not only a vital economic resource, it’s an ecosystem that’s essential to their way of life.

The Watershed wader uses excess Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric in a three-layer upper and four-layer lower portion. This lightweight fabric is breathable, durable, waterproof and offers an unhindered range of motion.

Featuring an oversized stretch-woven zippered chest pocket and a microfleece lined, zippered, pass-through handwarmer pocket, the wader also comes equipped with adjustable suspenders with opposing buckles that allow for a waist-high conversion.

For mobility and durability, Simms has incorporated their patented front and back leg seams. To round out the feature set, the wader includes integrated gravel guards and anatomically correct left and right stockingfeet with an antimicrobial finish.

Available in eight sizes, it will be offered in limited quantities.

Diane Bristol, Simms’ vice-president of community and culture, said: “It’s hard to put into words what the Yellowstone River and ecosystem means to us here at Simms. On the surface, it’s a picturesque, iconic trout fishery but, in reality, it’s so much more than that.

“It’s where we unwind, recreate, create unforgettable memories and forge lifelong family bonds and friendships. The surrounding communities and lifestyle that comes with it truly embody our Fish It Well philosophy.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Montana Freshwater Partners and couldn’t be more excited to utilise a product that’s so synonymous with our brand to help restore this a national treasure that runs through our backyard.”  

Announcing the wader’s launch, Simms donated $10,000 to the Yellowstone River Stewardship Campaign and, from January when the product is sold, Simms plans to make an additional $50,000 contribution.

www.simmsfishing.com

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