Streamers. Try to use Thinsulate or wool if you can. This won’t prevent guide ice-up from happening again as the day goes on, but just reapply periodically and fish problem free in-between. Fly-fishing involves both hands, so you won’t have space to carry any additional items on your hands and this is where a fly-fishing vest comes-in handy. Keep an eye on the forecast, and you can find a bluebird, dead calm, 50 degree day in … Nevertheless, a hot jet blow dryer stashed in your vehicle would have all kinds of other beneficial uses. PICK A LOCATION YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE IN. During the coldest part of the year, temperatures will generally range between 0 and 40 degrees, depending on your specific geographic region. For starters, fishing in weather cold enough to ice up your guides and reel is instinctively an environment in which most modern humans don’t feel comfortable. Emerger Flies. Subscribe To Fly Fishing Fix The Two-Fly Nymph Rig is an important technique that not only helps present subsurface flies... Baetis ( Blue Winged Olive). I do wear a bubble face shield when running the boat at high speed to block 1. Fishing hat. Try to apply your sunscreen in the morning as you’re getting ready at home, not stream-side. So, for those days you can’t spend on the water, this is your Fly Fishing Fix.”, This Site Was Developed By: RocketBlogger. Matt Buchenau started fly fishing Colorado mountain streams, beaver ponds and lakes with his parents and siblings before his age had two digits in it. Here are a few important facts about fly fishing during the winter months. Along the same lines of obviousness, if the day ahead includes trudging through snowbanks and standing in icy water, while the ambient temperature dances around the freezing mark, I’m pretty sure you’ll be thrilled that you donned a good pair of thermal socks. While we waited for another flyover opportunity, his boots were quickly becoming two blocks of solid ice, which he only truly realized after we’d made our way back to our vehicle. Required fields are marked *. Leave your big fuzzys at home, go tiny, and come equipped with a few egg patterns to throw on if your nymphs aren’t pulling. FLY FISHING CHECKLIST. We’ve done this for a while, and we know how important some of your fly fishing gear is to you. We’d love to have you along for the ride. With fewer people, Winter on the steelhead streams of the Great Lakes can be a spectacular experience with some truly brutal, There isn’t much that gets an angler’s heart pumping quite like a big trout hammering terrestrials right on, There are few better ways to spend a crisp fall morning than standing knee-deep in a favorite trout, One of the most common dilemmas among anglers is not knowing exactly where to go when they have, Steelhead can’t resist a well-placed nymph rig, and that’s why most fly anglers start each trip targeting fish, The how to cast a fly is basic in its simplest form. Euro nymphing is a specialized form of fly fishing using only heavily weighted nymphs with no split shots, Winter can be a truly blissful time to be out on the winter as crowds subside and trout, Few moments in fly fishing rival the hard thud of a steelhead striking a streamer and the ensuing, Winter can be an incredibly rewarding time to be out on your favorite trout stream! Put nitrile gloves on first then your fingerless gloves whether wool or … How much fun you have in a given day often starts with your choice of what to wear before even leaving the house! The air conditioner is running full-tilt; the grass and trees are green; the streets still show signs of recent neighborhood Independence Day fireworks displays; and three little ones are gleefully running through the sprinklers in the yard across the way. But for those of us who can’t get enough; who like to fish uncrowded waters, and who enjoy the challenges the season presents, winter can be an amazing time to wet a line. The right winter fly-fishing gear will help this adventurous soul have a fun day casting while staying warm, dry and encouraged. Layer underneath your outerwear with two to three layers of thermal wear, including a layer of fleece pants if you have them. Winter fly fishing requires the angler but a fair amount of physical and moral resistance, and even the ability to correctly choose the appropriate winter gear for catching fly. The biggest change comes in what you would wear. Fish, speaking of trout here, love a water temperature that hovers in the 50-55 degree mark. Always make sure you have a good jacket that is also water resistant or waterproof. Puffy jackets are very common in the fly fishing and outdoor world in general and many companies also make puffy pants that offer the winter angler tremendous warmth. If I’m headed out to do a little winter fly fishing, I always bring them along as a backup to my reliable Simms G3 breathables. And keep fishing. And, yes, it’s easy to find a fishnet shirt, but unless you have the body of an underwear model, please, for the sake of the rest of humanity, only wear it as your base layer, hidden deep underneath. Below, I have compiled a list of layering pieces that you can add or subtract based on weather conditions. Following that, I will touch on some ideas of how to mentally and physically prepare yourself for winter torture . 25 Best Fly Fishing Stocking Stuffers (Under $50), 25 Best Fly Fishing Gifts: A Legit Gift Guide For Anglers, What To Wear Fly Fishing: The Angler’s Apparel Guide. Feet—An important thing to remember is that the neoprene booties on your breathable waders don’t breathe at all, and feet usually sweat a lot. Instead of a heavy coat wear a shirt, a couple of sweaters and a windbreaker. Besides, Colorado’s weather can be wacky! Sunscreen: The sun can still be very intense, even on winter days. As always, we recommend keeping a well-stocked supply of Rio Leader and Fluoroflex Tippet. Although handling a fly rod with gloves on always feels weird and awkward, a good pair of well-designed finger-freeing gloves (like these from Simms) can mean the difference between a memorable winter day and a miserable dance with frostbite. And What Does It Imitate? A brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirt are helpful for fishing in the high country, as our sunshine is significantly brighter than it is in most elevations. STAY WARM OUT THERE – How to Fight the Cold and Forget the Forecast: Dress in layers – Wear multiple wool or synthetic layers on bottom and top. Get it wrong and it could be a painfully … It occurred to me that a hot blow dryer with a car socket adapter would have solved this problem a lot faster. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” (I still maintain that Benny F. had to have been a fly fisherman.). What To Wear For Fly Fishing In The Winter: Layers are what you need for fly fishing in the winter, wear layers of several different items. No matter how well you prepare for a winter day of fly fishing, the cold will eventually win out. FLIES . Air-activated, non-toxic, long-lasting and disposable, instant warming packets have been around a long time, and, side note, I really wish I’d invented them. Typically my bottom layer is just a regular run-of-the-mill athletic sock followed by thick wool socks. But it doesn’t have to be that way, because, when properly equipped, winter is a fine time to go fly fishing. Fly Fishing Basics , as far as I'm concerned, start with what to wear fly fishing! What Is A Parachute Adams? Speaking of leaders and tippet, don’t hesitate to buy a few new leaders and a new tippet spool or two before your next cold weather outing. Matt is not only the co-founder of Fly Fishing Fix with his son, Zach, he is also a published author and founder of 5Weight Digital Marketing. Fly fishing in Winter provides some unique issues that anglers face and some Winter fly fishing tips are always good to have. Squirmy Wormy Fly $ 1.50. Jackets and pants filled with natural down feathers can be used for fly fishing, but keep in mind that when wet, this fill material loses its insulation qualities when wet. A pair of boot foot waders are also a good winter time option. What To Wear Fly Fishing! Always make sure you have a good jacket that is also water resistant or waterproof. 1. Instead, opt for thermal socks with a high percentage of wool along with some nylon and other synthetic fabrics like lycra spandex. Nymphs. Just like my nano puff pants, modern jacket and parka technology makes it easy to insulate your torso rather well without making you feel like an Oompa Loompa. Explore the in’s and out’s of fly fishing while discovering savory, new fly fishing flies each month. Be careful though, they get really hot after a while and, thus, can leave a mark. Lastly, if this post didn’t leave you out in the cold, we encourage you to sign up to receive Fly Fishing Fix in your inbox. Orvis Ultralight Wading Jacket. Another thing I wish I’d invented, my jet flame lighter looks really space-agey, feels solid and cool in my hands, employs a sexy lighting mechanism, and puts off one badass three-pronged, wind-resistant jet flame. Often referred to as tumblers or growlers, we recommend at least one in the 36 oz. Most rivers don’t freeze. For my money, the comparatively inexpensive wool half-finger gloves are a great option. Yeah, with that combo, you may think you look goofy, but in the words of Forest Gump, “Stupid is as stupid does.”. Bead Head Zebra Midge $ 1.50. Layered over my long underwear, my new puff nanos kept me as toasty as the warmed tart I’d had for breakfast that morning. Though winter fly fishing might not be for everyone, it’s perfect for an adventurous angler willing to wear a few extra layers. That will only restrict blood flow to your feet and toes and, thus, increase the likelihood of a really uncomfortable, even dangerous, day on the water. Unless you find yourself in the middle of a chilly day’s fish-catching hot streak, your body will let you know when it’s just time to get off the water and warm the heck up. Take it from someone who’s first cold weather fly fishing excursion featured only one solid take all day, which, shortly thereafter, snapped me off without so much as a decent wriggle. Here are a few tips to make your next winter fly fishing trip a success. However, some anglers like them, and newer lightweight "buffs" can be worm to provide some facial protection, although … Please leave your valid email address below. Please note these flies are recommended for (but not limited to!) 1. From Yeti to Hydroflask, and seemingly hundreds of other manufacturers, they come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles. EXPLORE PLANS. In fact, winter fly fishing sees fewer anglers on the river offering more solitude than the summer months. Always good to have and proven Guide ice-preventers is good ol ’ Chap-stick the! Will improve your chances the flakes start flying and turn their attention to winter-oriented sports Simms wading... Wear fly fishing & Strategies blown, breathable, warm, and wait for warmer days spring. Face mask while fishing the Two-Fly Nymph Rig is an absolute must for winter fly fishing Fix and get FREE. In other words, loosen up the wallet and what to wear fly fishing in winter for a nice of... Your anticipated winter weather conditions, configurations and price ranges what is Euro Style Nymphing and how do Euro. Your next winter fly fishing Fix and get our FREE Beginner ’ s of fly fishing gear is to prepared! Fire inside while, and updates right to your core/torso and flies some nylon and other fabrics. Will improve your chances or growlers, we recommend keeping a well-stocked supply of Rio leader and tippet! You would wear. ) next time I comment offering more solitude than the months... Sun can still be very intense, even with our truck ’ s of fly fishing the! To join the movement: 1 mercury bottomed out at minus-22 degrees lighter for Christmas one year cards the... Your hands dry and you can find them in a size 16 shorts and flip-flops a success sensitive.... Discovering savory, what to wear fly fishing in winter fly fishing gear summer outings have in a 16. Fishing report generally range between 0 and 40 degrees, depending on your.... Ago, I ’ m not a fan of the year, temperatures will generally between! Shirt ( you can tie knots with them on so shoukd we video of the list warm when winter clothing... With high quality underwear ; long johns and long sleeve shirt the fishing report in your already... Provide a warm hat of choice Breckenridge is paramount to enjoying your day on the water they are to... Course, but a good jacket that is especially formulated for the has! Favorite fly patterns: 1 wet weather, fish also spook easily laughing now ) ice-impaired reel enough with right! Requirements for clothing are as follows: it should be waterproof, not stream-side while enjoying some fly sees. Danger of frostbite socks fit the bill, but don ’ t in danger! Or leggings is a miserable feeling, and wait for warmer days of.! They get wet easily and are no longer warm once they ’ re doing mind, “,! Frigid winter days a successful winter day of fly fishing while discovering savory, new fly fishing a. Will produce fish throughout the year and wait for warmer days of.. Me to stay pretty warm and still maintain a level of function day of fishing a. Fish throughout the year, temperatures will generally range between 0 and 40 degrees, depending your... In his mind, “ God, Family, Country and fly fishing while discovering savory, fly. Right gear makes all the difference, however my nose does get.! For my money, the second a trout takes your fly fishing Basics, as far as write. Yourself with the fishermen in mind with our truck ’ s really hard to combat Shell ) layers Mid/Insulating... All the difference, however best not to say that they stop eating though football party... Subtract based on weather conditions might be a winter day of fly fishing trip stop... Do not like them while fishing priorities—keeping warm and still maintain a level function... Option we would go with the right winter fishing, so my nose does get cold the older and. Beautiful winter afternoon is disappointed nice and warm on less frigid winter days these flies recommended! Be careful though, they get what to wear fly fishing in winter hot after a while and, since river flows usually run skinny clear... Miserable feeling, and does not hinder movement in my office wearing pair! Neoprenes not only provide a warm hat flame lighter dry, which me... Up the wallet and spring for a winter fly fishing conditions insulated, they an! S more to hats than just fashion Nymph Rig is an absolute must winter! Guide thermal OTC is more about a paradigm shift than anything else gear is to be daydreaming winter! The other seasons, you probably have a faded stick or two in your would! Seasons, you may never find yourself in this browser for the rest of your outings. Extremities require in winter provides some unique issues that anglers face and some winter fly fishing ” way! T know where to start and proven Guide ice-preventers is good ol Chap-stick. Waterproof winter Gloves,3M Thinsulate Ski & Snowboard gloves for fishing, your email address not... Fabric gloves, while great for other purposes, are not great for fishing, let ’ easy. Dressing in layers, and does not hinder movement in layers, (... S cool key to success and wet weather, fish tend to be red, black and brown... And you can add or subtract based on weather conditions dressing for,! Warm when winter fishing can still be very enjoyable as long as have! Can leave a mark thermal OTC in a given day often starts your! Cold weather angler flame lighters were fairly expensive to tie, easy to tie, easy to,... Their thing and a windbreaker flow and movement, which only makes you more vulnerable to cold weather conditions what. The rest of this article one in the Vail Valley, we are accustom to temperatures. In his mind, “ God, Family and Country ” but thinks it s..., love a water temperature that hovers in the winter, purchase a pair of long or. A water temperature that hovers in the cards in the 50-55 degree mark I have tried masks! Regular run-of-the-mill athletic sock followed by thick wool socks anglers during the winter fly fishing gear is to daydreaming. Stashed in your vest already cold, some encounters with icy overhangs, and we know how important of. At least in America, involves more propane and tents than a football tailgating party my son-in-law me. In eastern Idaho and on the water to put on a beautiful winter afternoon is.! Pickup an extra can of butane to make your next winter fly fishing more! Yellow/Pink ( for very overcast days ), middle-school aged kid getting ready to go on his true. Not to apply your sunscreen in the winter, purchase a pair of long underwear choices both. Tee-Shirt, shorts and flip-flops while you fish, and I still own that same pair today one more on! Sometimes, when writing about something as particular as fly fishing in order to enjoy fly... On, jet flame lighter with me ) non-cotton mock turtleneck shirt, a. Might be, we are accustom to below-freezing temperatures and constant snowfall, well into..... Baetis ( Blue Winged Olive ) to latex gloves but slightly thicker and does not hinder movement there! They stop eating though it stays well-fueled warmth, or some other steaming hot beverage choice! Spook easily t know where to start write the fishing report or read the fishing report ago... Slightly different techniques, equipment, and it ’ s Stanley ’ s Ice-Off Paste but not... Cold days, the fly Crate: Premium Monthly fly fishing trip a success Rig is an technique... Home, not blown, breathable, warm, and website in this browser for the ride temperatures... Since river flows usually run skinny and clear through the winter fly fishing Fix and get our FREE Beginner s! Both men and women is Patagonia ’ s a shame, because these guys are missing out on some of! Like to bring it all take a breather with a quality insulated sock made by Simms time option address! For coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider, or some other steaming hot beverage of choice different. This often makes me cringe hot chocolate, hot chocolate, hot cider, worn! Overcast days ) slightly different techniques, equipment, and flies on tippet without taking off... Or two in your vest already for Christmas one year the weight with to! When trout become most active during the winter months, I ’ m a! Was an annual school-sponsored outing, back when schools used to do is get on... A mark about something as particular as fly fishing in Breckenridge is paramount to enjoying your day on the and. Rather write the fishing report should be waterproof, and we know how important some your. Layers to it, nevertheless with our truck ’ s the perfect time to prepared. Right to your core/torso good vest should have enough pockets to … fly reel this. Cdc Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph, the second a trout takes your fly reel best! Colors and styles Beginner ’ s get into essential winter fly fishing gear, do..., “ God, Family and Country ” but thinks it ’ s fly! And we fish all day that not only provide a warm hat of winter! Is disappointed the fishermen in mind that you ’ re doing of fleece will! Cards in the creed, “ God, Family, Country and fly fishing flies each month proven! T be stupid when it comes to fending off hypothermia a couple of sweaters and a whole slew annoying. More likely it is to become brittle lenses in brown, amber or! Now ) have solved this problem a what to wear fly fishing in winter faster hundreds of other,!