Winter Fly Fishing Gear
Fly fishing can be a 12-month activity but as the temperature drops, you need to make sure you are prepared. Being safe on the water is always important but, in the winter, it takes on a new level. Make sure you have an understanding of what to watch for with Hypothermia. This is for both you and others in your group.
Cotton Kills!!
When dressing to head out, remember Cotton Kills and dress like an onion, wear layers and in all of them you want to wear wool or synthetic fibers.
Base Layer
Starting next to the skin here are some different options I use:
Simms Boxers if I am not going to wear long underwear
Simms Lightweight base layer
Insulating layer
The insulation layer is to keep you warm. You want this layer to keep the movement of moisture away from your body. There are three main options you can use, a down jacket, Primaloft jacket (synthetic down) or a fleece. Of the three Down will be the warmest but if it gets wet it will lose all insulating properties. Primaloft works the same as down as it captures air in synthetic fibers. If it gets wet it will stay warm. Fleece has the least amount of bulk but it offers little to no wind and water protection.
Primaloft
Down
Fleece
Outerlayer/ Shell. This layer will protect you from the elements such as rain and wind. This jacket is always in my truck.
Socks
You need to take care of your feet. Go with wool or synthetic socks and keep an extra pair in your car. When I get off the water and take my waders off, I change out my socks as well.
Darn Tough- Wool synthetic blend sock. If they get wet they stay warm.
Fox River- All synthetic, quick drying but they get cold if wet.
Injinji -
For additional warmth you can add toe warmers to your waders. You do not want to put them right against your skin. The best way to use them is to stick them to the inside of the waders and then put your foot.
Waders
In the winter waders are a must. I like stocking foot waders with wading boots with added traction such as added cleats. Do not use felt sole boots in the winter as they ice up and if there is any snow on the ground it sticks to the bottoms.
Accessories
In the winter it is important to keep your hands warm. One way to do this is to keep them dry. For this I always have a pair or two of disposable gloves with me. They are a simple way to keep your hands dry but you still have the dexterity to fish.
For warmer gloves I go with a wool half finger glove. They keep my hand warm but my fingers are still exposed to tie knots and manage the line. I go with wool because it will stay warm if it gets wet. To warm up my finger tips, I keep hand warmers in the pockets of my jacket.
A wading staff is also good to have in the winter. I use a basic one I found on Amazon for under $40.
When I get back to my truck, I keep a JetBoil stove ready to make some coffee to help me warm up and a few Yeti’s to keep it warm. Along with something to warm you up, hydration is important during the winter. Breathing cold, dry air will remove moisture at a quicker rate than during the warmer months. People also tend to drink less fluids during the winter since they do not feel thirsty. It is important to make sure you keep replacing the fluids by taking in water. I also like to replace electrolytes but stay away from drinks with a high sugar content as it can increase loss. I like to use Mtn Ops Hydrate.
Winter can be a great time to get out and explore your local waters. Just make sure you know your limits and always tell someone where you are going. If the little voice inside tells you its a bad idea, listen to it.
