Staying Warm!

The dead of winter is a great time of year to be out on the river, but it can also be challenging, both in fooling the fish and keeping physically comfortable. Total solitude and beautiful scenery are often outweighed by iced up guides, frozen fingers and difficult access to the river, but a good day of winter fishing can be one of the most rewarding outings of the year for a fisher. There are a few things I’ve learned from days spent on the water that will permit one to get the most out of a winter’s day of fishing. It all starts with staying warm in inclement weather and here are some things that really help.

The first, and most obvious is to dress for the conditions. It is really difficult to overdress for winter fishing. Even days close to freezing can become bitter when a slight wind comes up. Gloves, a hat, as many socks as can be stuffed comfortably into the boots of one’s waders and a windproof or waterproof jacket with a hood are all essential. Stick to wool or synthetic fibers like fleece or primaloft for all insulation. Down and cotton are worthless when wet. A good base layer tops and bottoms are essential. Patagonia Capeline or Simms Waderwick are some of the best baselayer I have used. Dressing in several layers helps trap air and keeps one warmer than a single insulating layer. Keeping the core warm is the second most important thing, besides a good hat. Primaloft vests like the Patagonia Micro Puff are great layering pieces that help keep the body warm.

Wader choice plays a huge role in how comfortable an angler will be on a cold day. My feet used to be constantly numb when fishing in cold water until this year. I finally purchased a pair of Simms Exstream waders and I have yet to have cold feet during a day on the river. The difference they make over any wader I have used in the past is dramatic. Bootfoot breathable waders in general will be warmer than neoprene or stockingfoot breathable waders over the course of several hours of fishing, provided one layers properly under them. A mid weight baselayer and heavy fleece pants are enough to keep my legs warm under my waders. Lastly, winter is not the time to find out you have leaks in your waders! Make extra sure that all holes are patched or don’t bother going. It is literally impossible to stay warm with 33 degree water circulating through ones waders.

In addition to dressing properly, there are a few things one can do to help maintain warmth throughout the day. Start the day off right. While I’ve certainly been guilty of dragging myself out of bed with hangover, jetting down to the river on an empty stomach and fishing for the day, it isn’t the best way to be comfortable. A good breakfast and warm liquids at the start of the day really help out. Staying hydrated is a big key to staying warm. Trudging through snow quickly can make a heavily dressed angler overheat and sweat, and replacing this water is essential through the day. Bring snacks along to the river as well. A candy bar and some water really help when I begin to get chilled. If you plan to be out for several hours and will be some distance from a vehicle, bring along a pack with spare gloves and extra insulation. This can be handy if you get wet, or the temperatures unexpectedly drop.

When fishing staying dry can be tough. It is essential however. Most fleece, wool, or neoprene gloves do a good job of keeping you warm when they are dry, but lose some effectiveness when wet. Be careful when landing and releasing fish as this is normally when gloves get wet and consequently hands get cold. Try to release fish with only your forceps. Only touch the fish if it is necessary to free a hook, and take off your gloves before handling the fish. Hand warmers are great on really cold days, but they too do not work well when they get wet. Keep them in a waterproof pocket so they are sure to work when you really need them.

The last good way to keep warm is to keep moving. Instead of fishing a likely pool for several hours, keep moving and hitting smaller pockets and pools instead. If you feel yourself getting cold, get out of the river and take a walk. It is amazing how a few minutes of post holing through snow will warm you right back up.

Take these things into mind next time you head to the river on a winter day. You’ll be more comfortable, have a better time and probably fish more effectively because of it.