By Aaron Motley
I find that as we move into the winter season I become more excited about going fishing. My biggest reason to get excited is because many anglers are going to sit at home, and not fish because of the cold temperatures. This leads to less anglers being on the water throughout the winter. Solitude with the river, and a good friend, are great rewards during the winter.
There are definitely ways to make your time on the water during winter more bearable. The easiest solution is just to fish from about 10AM or 11AM to 3PM or 4PM, this will generally be the warmest part of the day. How anglers go about layering themselves is the biggest factor in what kind of day they will have winter fishing: a miserable one or an enjoyable one. Try some of the following tips this winter.
Hands: Gloves are a smart accessory when fishing during cold times. Half-finger mittens; gloves that allow your thumb, pointer, and middle finger to have retractable covers; thinner, liner style gloves for more sensitivity. A great feature on a pair of gloves is a pocket to place Hot-Hand packets, usually located on the underside of the wrist. Doing this in cold conditions can really help in circulating blood flow in and out of your hands.
Toes: In the winter, we tend to add layers, and when it comes to socks, consider how much room is in your neoprene booties on your waders. If you add too many layers of socks, you can place too much compression around your foot and make yourself colder while standing in 40 degree water. When it comes to the type of sock to wear; synthetic, poly, wool, and blended mixtures are the best to use under your waders. Please leave all cotton socks at home.
Head and Neck: Wearing a windstopper fleece beanie can add a lot of comfort to a day outside. I am a big hand of hoods on jackets. While out in the cold winter elements, a neck gaiter of wool or fleece can make you very comfortable.
Legs: Layering your legs should start with a baselayer like Patagonia Capiline or some synthetic layer for wicking moisture from your skin and aiding to keep you warmer. Next, a thin quick-dry pant may be all you need for being out. However, thick fleece pants or down pants can add vast amounts of warmth to your legs.
Torso: Layering may start with a thin base layer, then adding, quick-dry shirt, fleece, vest, jackets, hoodies, and windstopper layers. Finding the right layering for your day out can vary so, be prepared. This is by far the best motto I know.
Come into Hunter Banks Fly Shop in Asheville or Waynesville and let us help you find the right layers so that you can enjoy more of the peace and solitude winter fishing offers the prepared angler.
Aaron Motley is Operations Manager at the Waynesville location of Hunter Banks. His waterfowl hunting addictions supports his fly tying addiction. He learned his fly-fishing craft from “fishy” people and pursues large trout, bass, and musky on a daily basis. He teaches others to do the same.