Warm and Dry: Choosing the Right Cold Weather Gear from Head to Toe

Let’s face it, it’s cold outside. As temperatures drop, we shouldn’t have to stop fishing until the spring. There’s still plenty of fishing to be done in the colder months, and the best way to make sure you can get out there and catch a limit of your favorite fish is to make sure you’re dressed to last an entire day outside in the elements. 

When thinking about what clothing makes the most sense in colder weather, there are three main types you’ll want to keep in mind.

Your base layer is most important for managing moisture. Lots of moisture mixed with cold weather is a quick way to start getting cold fast. Your base layers should be synthetic materials or wool, as these do a great job of wicking sweat and drying out quickly. 

Your mid layer is what’s going to help keep you warm, as it’s your insulating layer. This layer helps retain body heat using fabrics like fleece, wool, or lightweight down. 

The outer layer is all about protection. You want an outer layer that is windproof and waterproof. This is the layer that helps keep whatever elements that you’re fishing in outside, and lets the base and mid layers to work as intended, keeping you warm all day long. 

Okay, we have an overview of what we want for layers, but here’s what to look for to use for all the gear you’ll need to stay warm.

Your head and neck are going to be best protected from cold weather by a thermal beanie and a neck gaiter. If conditions are particularly nasty, added protection from a hood on your outer layer is important as well.

On the upper body, you’ll want to think about all three layers discussed previously. A good long-sleeve base layer is critical for moisture-wicking ability. Put an insulated mid-layer over that. If it’s cold but not too cold, this could be a hoodie. In much colder weather, you may want something like a fleece-lined jacket. On your outer layer, put on a jacket that will help block wind and water.

For all of this, mobility is important to consider. If you’re going to be doing a lot of moving around and casting, you don’t want to wear a ton of bulky jackets. You want to find the perfect balance of warmth and mobility.

Your hands are likely going to be the hardest part of your body to keep warm in these conditions. Casting, reeling, unhooking fish, and tying on lures are all functions that can be impaired by gloves. However, these things are also really hard to do when your hands are frozen, so again, it’s going to be about balance.

On warmer days, you can get away with a thinner glove that helps with moisture wicking but doesn’t do much else for insulation or protection. On much colder days, you’re going to have to use outer gloves with your liner gloves to get the added warmth.

Convertible gloves or half-finger gloves can be a solid option to give you the warmth you need, but also the convenience of getting your hands out more easily to deal with fish and lures.

You’re going to want to treat the lower body just like the upper body. Get a good pair of moisture-wicking long johns for your base layer. Over that, you’ll want your favorite pair of fishing pants, opting for something fleece-lined on some of those colder days. For the protective layer, a pair of insulated bibs or rain bibs can be a great option for extra warmth and protection from the elements. 

Your feet are going to be one of the first parts of your body that start to feel cold. Once that happens, it’s pretty difficult to get them warm again without just quitting for the day and heading back to the truck.

The best way to combat the cold is to have a thin, moisture-wicking pair of socks covered by a much thicker wool sock on top. After that, you’ll want to pick your footwear accordingly. You’ll want a good pair of waterproof boots with plenty of insulation to keep the water out, and also add in some extra insulation to ensure your feet stay warm all day long.