Fishing in the summer is great. Often all you need to wear to be comfortable is a pair of shorts, sandals, and a lightweight shirt. Unfortunately, most places where trout live get quite cold in the winter. The good news is that if you dress appropriately you can stay toasty warm and catch fish in the cold. If you want to keep fishing and be comfortable once the weather starts to turn cold then you need to invest in good gear and learn how to use it effectively. This post will cover the basics of layering to stay warm in cold weather and go over the gear I use when fishing in cold weather.

Dress In Layers To Stay Warm And Comfortable

Dressing in layers is an effective way to stay warm when fishing in cold weather by trapping heat close to your body and allowing you to adjust your clothing as needed. Take off a layer if you are too hot, put one on if you are too cold. The basic set up is a base layer, mid-layer, and outer shell. Here’s a guide on how to dress in layers for cold weather:

Base Layer

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. This can be a synthetic material like polyester or a natural one like merino wool.
Choose a long-sleeved shirt and pants to provide coverage for your entire body.

Mid-Layer/ Insulating Layer(s)

The insulating layer is designed to trap and retain heat. Options include fleece, down, or synthetic insulation. Choose a thickness based on the severity of the cold. Thicker insulation for extremely cold conditions and lighter insulation for milder cold. Depending on the temperature, you might need an additional mid-layer. I like to pair a thicker fleece with a down jacket.

Outer Layer/ Shell

The outer layer, or shell, protects you from wind, rain, and snow. It should be waterproof, windproof, and breathable. I typically wear my shell over my waders so it’s nice to have one that’s not too long.

Headwear

Wear a hat that covers your ears to prevent heat loss. Wool or fleece materials are nice because they still provide insulation when wet. Synthetic material is fine too.

Consider a neck gaiter or scarf to protect your neck and face. It’s amazing how much warmth a simple neck gaiter can provide.

Gloves or Mittens

Use insulated gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm. Wool, fleece, or neoprene are best because they still provide insulation when wet. I like mittens that can be flipped back to reveal cut off finger gloves for added dexterity when needed.

Socks

Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry. Wool or synthetic materials work well. Don’t wear cotton. Your socks should not feel too tight. Good blood circulation is essential for staying warm and very tight socks (or boots) can impair circulation.

The Gear I Use to Stay Warm When Fishing in Cold Weather

I’ve been fishing and recreating in cold conditions since I was a kid. I’ve learned a few things about staying warm over the past few decades. For instance, packing a thermos with your favorite hot beverage can be a real game changer. But the most important thing I’ve learned about fishing in cold weather is that quality gear layered properly really makes a difference. Some of the stuff I wear now is a little spendy but I think it’s worth it to be comfortable and have an enjoyable fishing experience.

When I’m fishing in the cold nowadays it’s usually because I’m hoping to hook a steelhead. My go to clothing system for steelhead fishing in near freezing conditions is pictured above and each product is listed below. I can confidently recommend this stuff because I have put it to the test in cold conditions for multiple years (or longer in some cases).

Base Layer:

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Quarter-Zip Base Layer Top
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms

Insulating layer 1:

Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket
Simms ColdWeather Pants

Insulating layer 2:

Patagonia Micro Puff Insulated Jacket or

Outdoor Research Hooded Down Jacket

Outer Layer:

REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket
Simms G3 Guide Waders (see my review of these great waders)

Headwear:

Smartwool Merino Beanie or Carhartt Knit Beanie
Buff merino multifunctional neck gaiter

Gloves or Mittens:

Ragg wool glove mitten combo

Socks:

Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Crew Socks

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