Fly Fishing

bbhog

I'm wondering what articles of clothing, layered, liners, you winter fisherman use? Hunting season is over here and I'm ready to get back into doing some fishing, but I don't seem to last long when it's real cold out, I know a lot of you folks fish year round, especially the steel head anglers.

I fish very little in the winter, and usually, when I get cold, my arthritis sets in and my bones ache? Can you give me some tips on staying warm? What's the ticket as far as clothing? Who makes the best hats, gloves, waders, etc. for cold water wading? What items do you never leave home without when fishing in 35 degree and under weather?

Shaq · Location: Adirondacks

This is what I do...

On the torso: first silk. real thin. then Under Armor cold gear or equivelant...new balance makes the same type of stuff
Top Layer: a power-dry type shirt.

Depending on how much moving I will be doing I put my jacket on then or I have a wool irish sweater if I'm more stationary.

Legs: Silk, expedition type Long Johns and a fleece wader pant. then the breathable waders.

Socks: A wicking liner sock followed by a smart wool sock rated for sub zero...then a foot warmer...

Seems like alot but it's really just 3-4 layers of thin stuff. Traps alot of air and keeps you warm. The most important thing is the feet. After the car ride to a spot I ALWAYS change my socks before putting my waders of. Sometimes I change my socks at lunch time just to dry them off. a moist foot, is a cold foot equals a miserable steelheader.

bbhog · Posted: Mon 02/06/06 4:52 pm Post subject: Thanks for the information.

I'm missing the silk torso layer and the socks, both thin and sub zero. Any particular brand of socks you recommend? What about your gloves? I have wool fingerless gloves, and though they are comfortable to fish with, my fingertips soon get cold.

gilly09 · Posted: Mon 02/06/06 9:00 pm Post subject:

I purchased cabelas stormcloth 4 years ago. I believe it is not carried any longer. you'd have to check.

weather and windproof.

I wear a polypro shirt and pant, then I throw on the storm cloth shirt and pant.

I have never been cold. I'm talking ice fishing conditions in the mooshead area with wind chills well below zero.

No jacket! just the poly pro and top.

If you can find it, you won't be disappointed.

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

i personally roll like this

- thin layers and lots of em
- hand warmers in gloves (but i use thin gloves - cuz it stinks when the gloves eliminate the possibility of feeling your rod and feeling connected to it.
- couple pairs of socks
- i still use breathable waders - maybe stupid - but then again - i never really STAND in the water. cuz if the water is cold the trout will typically be at your feet and not holding in the typical fast currents. they are gonna be resting in the slow stuff by your feet - so stand on shore if possible - it might be better fishing and will certainly be better for your body temperature
- studded boots - it gets slippery out there - korkers are not a bad idea either.
- be safe - if a run or stretch of water looks too good to be true - it IS - if you have to do some risky wading to get there.

-- A fish of a lifetime Ain't worth dying for -------

Good Luck.

PS --- here is a little tip - SLOW SLOW SLOW drifts are key...the trout are cold too so they don't want to use any precious energy to move for anything. nymphs with indicator and if it seems like your indicator is moving too slowly - try to slow it down even more. Very Happy

Shaq · Location: Adirondacks

I don't rely on brands, Any hiking store will carry liner socks. I like the smartwool because they are thiner and don't cram my feet into the boots. I have a pair of over sized boots for winter fishing too. I still wear my breathables. If I layer properly, I like the increased movement over the neoprene, I tend to move around alot when fishing.

Gloves I use the simms windstopper microfleece. They are awesome, The rag wool are second best because they are warm when wet. I keep the hand warmers in my pockets of my wading jacket so I can keep the fingers warm. My simms waders also have a hand warmer type pocket in front.

Pete · Location: New York, NY

Jeremy, you mentioned that "the fish of a lifetime isn't worth your life." (I think that's what you said, something like that anyway.) Has anyone tried an inflatable PFD while wading? Wondered if they get in the way or not. I've worn them on a boat while fishing with conventional gear, but never tried it with fly fishing.