The first time I stepped into a large tailwater I realized I was woefully unprepared. I had the right rod. All the flies would have worked. I could even see fish rising. The problem? I couldn’t stand in the water for more than a few minutes.
The river was much more frigid than anticipated. It was hard to focus. It was hard to have fun.
In all my subsequent trips to big TVA projects I’ve packed and dressed wiser. And once I began to enjoy fly fishing in the winter, I learned that gear alone wasn’t going to ensure comfort. It wasn’t about simply buying what was needed. There were essential things I needed to do to keep my feet happy and warm.
Here are four ideas for your cold water and cold weather wading. Two won’t cost you a dime, and two might be well worth the money they entail. After all, there are few things worse than cold toes while fishing.
Move
This might sound like a no-brainer. However, if you get into the perfect position for casting or drifting you might not move. When humans truly focus, we have the tendency to eliminate peripheral functions. That means you’ll be standing completely still, heron-like, for a prolonged period of time. Your feet will bear the brunt of this from a pressure standpoint. In the winter, you also lose some circulatory-system induced warming by planting yourself on your heels or toes for too long. Shift, rock back and forth, or at least flex your feet to keep things moving.
Keep Your Core Warm
One of the most well-known truths of regulating body temperature is to keep your core warm. While exposed extremities will be cooler in chilly weather, having a warm center mass is essential in staying dexterous and functional. Footwear matters. Layering on your torso is the first step towards success. It might not feel like it in the morning when you’re getting dressed in the comfort of your warm house, but that nice thermal underwear top is essential for more than your upper body. Packing an extra vest can make the difference when fingers and toes start to get cold.
New Socks
Wool socks, paired with a thin synthetic liner, are the key to success. But socks take a beating. They’re stomped on and compressed every minute that you have them on your feet. Even the best socks will loose insulating loft over time. Just because a pair of socks doesn’t have holes doesn’t meant that they’re still good for keeping your feet dry and warm. Relegate older pairs to yardwork duty, and make sure something newer is available for long winter fishing trips.
Bigger Waders & Boots
If you spend a lot of time wading in the winter, you might want to consider adding some gear. Form-fitting stockingfoot waders and wading boots are great for mobility and stability. However, there is not much wiggle room for airflow. Your layers are also limited. A roomier boot will allow for a thicker sock in your stockingfoot. Even better? Get a pair of bootfoot waders. Not only is there often insulation in the boot itself, but the ankle is much less of a choke-point for warming air to get down to your toes.
How do you keep your feet warm, wading in winter? Let me know in the comments below.