Ask MidCurrent: How to Stay Warm While Fly Fishing in Winter

Question: I really want to get out on the water this winter, but one thing is stopping me: I hate being cold. What are the best ways to stay warm on the water?
—Fred W., via email

Answer: Winter fly fishing is a great way to escape cabin fever, and it feeds your angling jones during the dark months. However, to enjoy your time on the water, you need to master the art of staying warm and comfortable on the water.

Bootfoot is Better

While stockingfoot waders and separate wading boots are popular for most of the year, bootfoot waders prove superior warmth for winter fishing. The integrated boots provide more space around your feet, allowing for better air circulation and improved insulation. Unlike stockingfoot waders, which can create compression points at the ankles, where the neoprene booties meet your wading boots, bootfoot waders eliminate these potential cold spots. The generous fit of bootfoot waders also accommodates thicker socks more easily, and some bootfoot waders feature more substantial insulation in the boot portion, with 7mm neoprene or even Thinsulate. While you may give up a little mobility and stability by choosing bootfoot waders, you’ll be able to stay on the water longer.

Layer for Warmth

The most critical rule of winter layering is simple: absolutely no cotton. While cotton might be comfortable, it retains moisture and loses all insulating properties when wet, potentially creating dangerous situations in cold conditions. Instead, build your layering system with these components:

Base Layer

Start with a midweight synthetic or wool/synthetic blend that excels at wicking moisture away from your skin. This layer should fit snugly but not restrict movement. The ability to move moisture away from your skin is crucial, as any dampness will quickly rob you of warmth once you slow down or stop moving.

Insulating Layer

Your middle layer provides the bulk of your warmth. High-quality fleece is ideal here, offering excellent insulation while maintaining breathability. On particularly cold days, you might want to double up on fleece layers, but be mindful of how this affects the fit of your waders.

Outer Layer

Your waders serve as your outer shell from the chest down, but they need help. A proper shell jacket or insulated vest will provide additional core warmth and wind protection for your upper body, especially in harsh winter conditions. The ideal outer layer should be fully waterproof, not just water-resistant, with sealed or taped seams to prevent any moisture from penetrating to your insulating layers. That said, many manufacturers make insulated jackets that, while not fully weatherproof, will keep you a lot warmer. Look for jackets with adjustable cuffs that can be tightened over your fishing gloves and a hood that can accommodate a warm hat underneath.

L to R: Patagonia Capilene® Midweight Crewneck, Orvis PRO Fleece Half-Zip Pullover, and Skwala Fusion 3/2 Puffy.

Protect Your Extremities

Your feet deserve special attention, as cold feet can end a fishing day prematurely. The neoprene booties on breathable waders don’t actually breathe, making proper sock selection crucial. Therefore, you’ll want to employ a two-sock system: a synthetic liner sock that wicks moisture away from your skin and a midweight or heavyweight wool/nylon blend sock for insulation. Make sure that your socks aren’t so think that they make boots too tight, restricting blood flow. Consider sizing up your wading boots for winter use to accommodate thicker socks without compression.

Since up to 30% of body heat can be lost through your head, proper headwear is essential. A windproof beanie topped with a hood provides excellent protection. For maximum versatility, wear a baseball cap under your beanie—the bill helps with glare on sunny days, and you can remove layers as needed.

For hands, consider a two-layer approach similar to your feet: thin nitrile gloves under fingerless mitts. This combination maintains dexterity for handling tackle while providing warmth and water protection. Nitrile gloves keep water from touching your skin.

Temperature Management

Although we’ve been discussing how to stay warm, it’s equally important that you avoid overheating. The old adage “start out chilly” proves invaluable when you’re hiking to your fishing spot. Sweating in cold weather can be dangerous because once you stop moving, that moisture will rapidly cool your body. Remove layers before strenuous activity, and don’t be afraid to use ventilation features in your gear.

L to R: Grundéns Boot Sock Thermal, Simms WINDSTOPPER® Beanie, and Simms ExStream® Neoprene Fishing Glove .

Practical Tips for Staying Warm

• Pre-rig your rods at home to minimize time spent handling cold equipment
• Stay out of the water as much as possible. Fish from the bank when you can.
• Avoid sitting on cold surfaces when rigging; practice doing it while standing
• Bring a pack to store shed layers
• Stay hydrated, as proper hydration helps your body maintain temperature

Winter fly fishing doesn’t have to be an exercise in endurance. With proper preparation and the right layering strategy, you can stay comfortable for hours on the water, focusing on the fishing rather than the cold. The peace and solitude of winter fishing make it worth mastering these techniques. There’s nothing quite like having a pristine stream all to yourself.