Winter Fly Fishing
So, this weekend looks to be a little warmer and I’m just itching to get out in the river. It’s mid-March here in Western Massachusetts; normally, temperatures would be somewhere between -10 to +30 degrees. And just last week, we received 27” of snow. This weekend, however, temps were in the low 40s (Yep, it’s a heat wave), so of course I want to go fishing.
Quick sidebar, I have set 38 degrees as my cutoff for fishing. Oddly, I won’t golf if it’s less than 50, but I’ll go stand in the middle of a river down to 38 degrees. Oh, and that’s the air temperature incidentally. The water temperature today was 37.
It’s worth noting that I’m an avid skier, so I have lots of good gear and just as much experience dealing with cold weather.
Whenever you go out, safety should be your first concern, but this is especially true in cold weather. With this in mind, I wanted to tell you about the gear I use when it’s cold.
Be sure to check your gear before heading out to ensure that everything is in good working condition. Pay special attention to the soles of your boots to make sure they have adequate traction for icy conditions.
Dress Appropriately
Dressing in layers is crucial for staying warm and dry during a winter fly fishing trip. Start with a base layer of moisture-wicking material to keep sweat away from your body. Add a mid-layer for insulation, such as fleece or wool, and top it off with a waterproof and breathable outer layer.
The parts under the water get the coldest, so let’s start at the base. One of the biggest safety tips I can give you is do not put on so many socks that your feet get squeezed inside your boots. This can reduce circulation to your feet and lead to frostbite even faster. The waders I use in the winter are booted and the boots are a bit too big for me to wear without some thick socks (I didn’t know any better when I ordered these waders, and it turned into a fortunate accident).
I start with a thin pair of athletic or ski socks. When I first arrive at the river, I open a pack of toe heaters so they can start to warm up. I used these for many years before I finally invested in heated ski boots (hmmm, maybe someone should invent heated waders). Here is the brand I use: (https://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Toe-Warmers-OdorlessActivated/dp/B00DPKYI3W/ref=sr_1_5?crid=J5JC6444CPXA&keywords=toe%2Bwarmers&qid=1676951613&sprefix=toe%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-5&th=1 ). Each little heater has adhesive strips so you can attach them to your socks. The packaging shows them on the bottom of your feet, but they’re much more comfortable when you stick them on top of your feet, down by your toes.
With the toe heaters comfortably in place, I then add a pair of neoprene water socks like a diver would wear (Here are the socks I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JFXR1J5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
Again, this combination only works because my boots are too big for me. Remember to avoid anything that can compromise your circulation.
Moving up to my legs, I like a light pair of long underwear, preferably in a good wicking material like silk or Smartwool. I wear these: https://www.amazon.com/Terramar-Thermasilk-Filament-Black-Medium/dp/B000LUM01Q/ref=sr_1_41?crid=HNOR5OXHRW7X&keywords=mens+silk+long+underwear+bottoms&qid=1677355022&sprefix=mens+sil%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-41 . On top of that, I wear some type of fleece-lined, water-resistant pants. I love these pants from Eddie Bauer (https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/12951203/men’s-guide-pro-lined-pants?sp=1&color=Dark%20Smoke), but also have these less expensive pants I found on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09B1ZSR65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
On my top, I start with a moisture-wicking turtleneck like this (https://www.amazon.com/Augusta-Sportswear-wicking-Turtleneck-Medium/dp/B004ORNKA2/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2FSQPQNL9G8WJ&keywords=mens%2Bwicking%2Bturtleneck&qid=1677355647&sprefix=mens%2Bwhicking%2Btur%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-5&th=1). Next, I generally add a heavy sweater or sweatshirt that is roomy enough to give me freedom of movement. And I top it all off with a heavyweight sherpa-lined fleece jacket like this ( https://www.amazon.com/Shirts-Jacket-Casual-Flannel-Outwear/dp/B0B9G5F4QT/ref=sr_1_4?crid=OVTUAFHRX66A&keywords=Shirts-Jacket-Casual-Flannel-Outwear&qid=1678543690&sprefix=shirts-jacket-casual-flannel-outwear%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-4 ). If there is a risk of snow or light rain, I will wear something that’s got a hood and is more water resistant, like this ( https://www.amazon.com/Rdruko-Softshell-Waterproof-Tactical-Climbing/dp/B07YY535YL/ref=cs_sr_dp_5?crid=20798JMWZH1P1&keywords=mens+sherpa+lined+hooded+water+resistant+jacket&qid=1677356352&sprefix=mens+sherpa+lined+hooded+water+resistant+jacket%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-25 ).
Oh, and of course, once I get to the river, I pack myself and all these layers into my neoprene waders ( https://www.amazon.com/Frogg-Toggs-Neoprene-Bootfoot-Outsole/dp/B00372CVLY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=345QWCK1AT2XN&keywords=B00372CVLY&qid=1678543494&sprefix=b00372cvly%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1 ). Mine have 3.5mm neoprene and 600-gram Thinsulate boots. I bought a pair with felt bottoms and added my own cleats to the bottom.
Please note that I’m not endorsing any of the gear I’m linking to. I don’t make any money from this. I’m just sharing with you what works for me. If you’ve got some great winter gear, I’d love to have you share your suggestions in the comments.
Other things to think about for winter fishing safety:
Be Aware of the Environment
Winter conditions can make the riverbank and surrounding areas slippery and hazardous. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for ice and snow-covered surfaces. Take extra care when walking on rocks, logs, or other potentially slippery surfaces. If you have felt-bottom boots, be extra careful in the snow. They will collect and hold onto the snow.
Consider Using a Wading Staff
Basically, this is a walking stick on a rope that you can attach to your body somehow (I have a tether to my wading belt). In addition to using these in cold weather, I also recommend them for wading in strong water or when you cannot see the bottom. Use it to probe the river bottom before you move your feet or simply as an extra support to help keep you balanced. Falling into the river can always be dangerous, but it’s especially treacherous in cold weather.
Plus, these can be handy if you have to hike to get to your fishing hole. I’ll probably use mine this weekend… did I mention we had 27” of snow last week?
Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to become dehydrated during a winter fly fishing trip because you may not feel thirsty in the cold weather. However, it’s important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Bring along a thermos of hot tea or cocoa to help warm you up and provide additional hydration.
Let Someone Know Your Plans
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. This is especially important during the winter when weather conditions can change quickly. Check in with your designated contact person when you return so they know you’re safe.
Use Caution Near the Water
Water can be particularly dangerous in the winter because it’s often icy and cold. Use caution when wading and be aware of the depth of the water. Wear a wading belt to prevent water from filling your waders in the event of a fall. I even have a fly-fishing vest with flotation built in… just in case (Sorry, no link. I ordered it on Ebay).
Check Weather Conditions
Before heading out on a winter fly fishing trip, check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Avoid fishing in extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or severe cold.
I have friends who will not fish in cold weather and I totally get that. For me, however, I love it. Granted, the fish don’t seem as active in the winter as they are in the summer, but that’s okay too. Once I’ve done everything I can to stay warm and safe, it’s a beautiful and serene adventure. Plus, I can often fish in spots that are too crowded to fish in the warmer weather.
If you have some other tips or thoughts on winter fishing, please share them in the comments.
I look forward to seeing you on the river soon.