Lads now that the heat index has fallen below 100 and ambient temperatures have plummeted to the 80’s it is time we start thinking about preparing for cold weather fishing.
Salmon and steelhead fishing will be on us before we know it. So I figured I would start a thread to aid our new members to fly fishing in cold weather clothing and preparations.
<O
First up for debate are waders.
Two schools of thought here, neoprene v. breathable. I have worn both and after standing for 8-10 hours in frigid waters with breathable with 300 fleece pants underneath , I have switched back over to neoprene 5.5 mm thickness.
<O
Boots, well in that kind of water boot foot only. Stocking feet are too tight and your feet will get cold quickly. I wear good quality sox, smart wool sox, or rag sox, I have tried those Hodgeman breathable and didn’t like them. Inside my boot I will place Gabber Mycoal foot warmers (they also make hand warmers) that has lasted up to 7 hours and never got a chill.
<O
Layered clothing including a Carthart turtle neck, polypro underwear, fleece under jacket, light weight poly shell, and a breathable outer jacket. Key is layering.
<O
I have more types of gloves, For extreme cold weather I use Polar gloves, they are tight fitting and not as warm as a fleece or wool glove, but if I am on the fish and have my hands in the water retrieving hooks from the fish, then I sacrifice a little warmth for keeping dry. Otherwise, I like wool fingerless gloves. I have never used the wool fingerless with the mitten covering, so if someone has I would be very interesting hearing your opinion.
<O
Head gear, a few years ago at the fly fishing show I bought one of those fleece pull over hat that is tight fitting, and I have never worn anything that keeps your head as warm as that. Sorry I don’t remember the name of the company, but you can use it as a neck warmer, completely cover your head and a pull up section to cover your lower face to your nose.
Salmon and steelhead fishing will be on us before we know it. So I figured I would start a thread to aid our new members to fly fishing in cold weather clothing and preparations.
<O
First up for debate are waders.
Two schools of thought here, neoprene v. breathable. I have worn both and after standing for 8-10 hours in frigid waters with breathable with 300 fleece pants underneath , I have switched back over to neoprene 5.5 mm thickness.
<O
Boots, well in that kind of water boot foot only. Stocking feet are too tight and your feet will get cold quickly. I wear good quality sox, smart wool sox, or rag sox, I have tried those Hodgeman breathable and didn’t like them. Inside my boot I will place Gabber Mycoal foot warmers (they also make hand warmers) that has lasted up to 7 hours and never got a chill.
<O
Layered clothing including a Carthart turtle neck, polypro underwear, fleece under jacket, light weight poly shell, and a breathable outer jacket. Key is layering.
<O
I have more types of gloves, For extreme cold weather I use Polar gloves, they are tight fitting and not as warm as a fleece or wool glove, but if I am on the fish and have my hands in the water retrieving hooks from the fish, then I sacrifice a little warmth for keeping dry. Otherwise, I like wool fingerless gloves. I have never used the wool fingerless with the mitten covering, so if someone has I would be very interesting hearing your opinion.
<O
Head gear, a few years ago at the fly fishing show I bought one of those fleece pull over hat that is tight fitting, and I have never worn anything that keeps your head as warm as that. Sorry I don’t remember the name of the company, but you can use it as a neck warmer, completely cover your head and a pull up section to cover your lower face to your nose.