Dressing for Winter Steelhead Fishing

If I were forced to choose the single most important factor that determines an angler's success during the tough winter steelhead season I would cop-out and say "presentation." For those who know me, or who follow these articles, you realize how much weight I put on effectively presenting a fly with regards to consistent success, so that answer may be of no surprise.

So, what does presentation have to do with the subject of this article: dressing for winter steelhead fishing? Well, if you go back in the archives (or click here) and re-read my article on presentation you'll remember that I offer the idea that fly presentation is the culmination of many decisions. When it comes to winter fishing, how you dress is by far the least, and possibly the most important of those decisions. Common sense tells us that if we are uncomfortable while fishing then our on-the-water decisions will be clouded, our reactions dulled, and our confidence deflated. In this article I will offer-up what I have learned, largely through trial and error, on how to remain comfortable on the coldest of angling days.

General Body Maintenance

Before I break down the clothing system I use, I feel I should touch on a few general body maintenance issues that will go far to keeping you warm. These are a few things that you should consider outside of your clothing as you strive to protect yourself from the elements.

• First would be hydration. Keeping warm requires work just as does keeping cool. That work requires that you replenish your body's hydration level even if you do not feel thirsty. Ample fluid intake prior to, and during your outing will boost your body's efficiency.
• Next would be nutrition. Fuel your body. I'm not a nutritionist but I try to eat meals that are high in protein and carbohydrates during the winter in an attempt to keep my muscles well-fed.
• Last would be skin-care. Your face and hands will be taking a beating in the winter, especially with the ever so common Upstate winds. Religious application of lip balm and frequent use of moisturizing skin-care products will prevent and heal the effects of chapping. Ultimately this will reduce exposure and uncomfortable pain associated with chapping.

A final note: Move around. "Nuff said.

Feet

Very often, the trouble areas for the winter angler are the extremities, most notably the feet. Thankfully, with today's technical fabrics, garments, and accessories, cold feet can be a thing of the past. The key is to remember how your body is warmed and cooled.

If you think of your body as an engine, then you can imagine your circulatory system as it's coolant. It keeps you cool when you are hot, but it also keeps you warm when you are cold. It works in a proprietary manner, so your most important organs get first dibs. This leaves your feet, hands, and face at a disadvantage. Thankfully, today's technical fabrics and accessories have made cold extremities a thing of the past.

I cannot stress enough the importance of adequate circulation. All the insulation in the world is worthless if the warming blood cannot get to the areas in question. So, of utmost importance is the sizing of your socks, waders, and boots. If you are like me, in the water 12-months a year, then take that into consideration when you purchase your waders and boots. I strongly advocate stocking foot waders for the ankle support and surefootedness they provide. But no matter what you buy, if you plan on wearing them in the winter be sure that you can easily wiggle your toes while wearing multiple layers of socks. Taking it a step further (hehe), and back to stocking foot waders, it is wise to drop the money on waders who have ergonomic left and right cut feet. Booties that are cut and sewn to fit the foot offer such superior comfort and feel that I will never consider cold-water waders without them. Finally, don't ruin a well-sized pair of stocking foot waders by using undersized boots. These are important reasons to visit your local fly shop to make these purchases. You'll want to test-fit all components. I will touch a bit more on waders later in this article.

Next to your feet it is imperative to wear a wicking fabric .There are many out there and they all work. This layer needs to be thin and comfortable, and redundant. Acquire a few pairs so you can launder them between outings.

The next items I use are adhesive chemical toe-warmers. These nifty and inexpensive products provide a lasting chemical heat source in the nearly oxygen-free environment inside your boots. I recommend you apply them to the underside of your toes, on the outside of your first layer. Heat rises you know. These $2 items will really take the edge off cold water. The final layer I use is a pair of heavy wool socks. Wool is a superb insulator, even when wet. I am a fan of Merino wool but any dense wool will work. Be sure they fit your feet well, no wrinkles, no binding.

That's how I dress my feet. No cotton, a wicking layer, chemical warmers, and merino wool. This is all under ergonomically cut stocking foot waders and boots that are sized to provide maximum support and circulation.

Legs

Many of the same principles apply to your legs and torso that apply to your feet. Consideration goes to protecting the blood flow, in this case your huge femoral artery. You'll want to keep constrictions to a minimum and prevent moisture from collecting next to your skin.

My base layer is micro fleece. Many companies offer garments with this fabric, but silk, lightweight fleece and polypro will all do just fine. The garment should be form-fitting to reduce bulk and prevent bunching. Consider stirrups to prevent riding. Again, don't destroy the foundation of warmth by wearing cotton long-johns or sweat pants. You'll sweat as your body regulates it's temp, the cotton with trap that sweat and you will get chilled. My final layer is heavyweight fleece. This layer should also be form fitting but not as tight since you want to maximize circulation. 200 or 300-weight fleece is what I prefer, but wool pants are an acceptable substitute. No blue jeans, no sweat pants.

Torso

By now you should be seeing a trend in my layering system. There is, and I stick with it when dressing my torso.

The first layer is again micro fleece. I really prefer to have a 3/4 zipper on my torso garments so I can regulate how I dress when I walk. By unzipping as I walk I can head-off getting too warm and too sweaty. Keep in mind that your major organs are between your neck and waist--many located close to the skin (kidneys for example). Keeping this area warm and dry is a priority! It's also a good idea to purchase garments with high-necks.

The next layer is a loose fitting heavy fleece garment, again with a 3/4 zipper. For this garment, fleece is fleece. It breathes and insulates no matter the tag name. Be sure it is not constricting and consider a high neck for this layer too. Now, depending on how cold I expect it to be I add layers. Next would be a full-zippered fleece vest since I want to insulate my torso but maximize the flexibility in my arms. Over that I may add another full-zippered fleece jacket, but that is very rare.

So, now we have dressed our body to maximize and protect is thermo regulatory capabilities. Let's discuss outerwear.

Outerwear

Outerwear is the final layer and for the wading angler should be considered the shell. It's intent is not to insulate, we have taken care of that when we dressed our bodies, but rather to protect our bodies and clothing from the elements of wind and water.

First, let me revisit waders. As mentioned, I'm a staunch proponent of stocking foot waders. Much of this is due to my style of fishing, where considerable time is spent in the water, yet moving from place-to-place at a fairly good clip. Even when my place slows during the educational process of guiding, I remain comfortable, stable, and supported. For those anglers who like to drop anchor and spend the day in one location, insulated boot foot models may be more appropriate, although the layering scheme remains sound.

As an aside, let me remark on traction. I use studded felt soles. Again, much of my time is spent in the water where traction matters most, plus studded felts offer superior sensitivity and less effort than do strap-on cleats. I will concede the snow build-up when walking over land, although a firm periodic kick against a solid landform solves that problem.

My waders have been, are, and will continue to be breathable; at least until technology advances to the next level. For 12-months a year I wear breathables simply because they keep me cool, and warm, by allowing evaporation to occur. This is why under layering with evaporative materials is key; why wear breathables if you're wearing jeans or sweats underneath? Again, the waders act as a shell to protect against water and, to a lesser degree, wind, allowing my clothing to insulate. Comfort is reinforced by ergonomically cut feet, a loose but not overly baggy fit, and supportive wading boots that ensure traction and rigidity. A wading belt is imperative to prevent your legs filling with water should you take a spill. On my wading belt is a holster to carry my ever-present water bottle. Remember to remain hydrated.

On very cold days I will wear a fleece full-zip jacket equipped with Windstopper technology. This is an added insurance to protect my torso and organs from wind exposure. Usually this layer is omitted.

I always finish my layering with a wading jacket. My jacket serves 3 purposes: Protect my clothing from rain and snow and quick spills. Protect my body from the wind. Provide storage beyond my vest.

Therefore, all I ask of the jacket is to be waterproof and breathable, constructed from a wind cutting fabric and contain storage in the rear and front along with fleece-lined pockets. I do not need pouches for fly-boxes or tippet spools. One final "must" for my wading jacket is an integral hood with a rigid visor and a full-neck collar. I dislike removable hoods since they always seem to leak and fall off.

Accessories

Now that we have our bodies protected in the most efficient and effective way possible, it's time to consider our hands, head, and neck. Recall that these areas often get cheated of precious blood flow and are often directly exposed to the weather.

First on the list will be gloves. I used to wear fingerless wool gloves and they are still a sound choice. However, I have large hands and was never able to find a pair that were not to tight or cut too short in the fingers. I have since gone to fingerless fleece gloves and have never been happier. Carry a spare pair-always! Just about every day I go through two pairs between myself and a wet-handed client.

Chemical handwarners in your pockets are a nice idea and will certainly not hurt. I do not use them, but that is not to say that they are not worthwhile. Next on the list will be a hat of some sort. I still use the old-fashioned ball cap. If it's very windy my hood goes on, but the ball cap still allows my head to cool after a walk. On cold and/or windy days I wear a headband to cover my ears. On very, very cold days I have a neck gaiter that can also double as a balaclava.

Conclusion

There you have it, my layering system for cold weather stream fishing. Form-fitting wicking layers, under comfortable heavy-weight insulating fabrics, both permitting vital circulation. All of this is protected from the elements by water and windproof shells and topped-off with accessories to protect my hands, neck and head. I firmly believe that your attire is an integral part of your presentation. In the case of cold weather angling, it allows you to remain focused on fishing, not on how cold you are!