Dress to keep yourself warm and dry.  Keeping your skin surface free from dampness is one of the biggest keys to staying warm.   The selection of these items is very important, but what you wear under this outer layer is also very important.  Any moisture trapped within your clothing will conduct heat away.  This means that you not only have to keep the precipitation out, but your clothing also has to have the ability to disperse your own perspiration.  When dressing for cold or wet weather fishing; dress from the inside out.  The layer of clothing next to your skin is the one you will feel all day!

 

 Your inner layer should be made from synthetic material for maximum comfort.  It should be soft and designed to wick moisture away from your skin. Never wear cotton clothing under your waders! Cotton retains moisture and has very little insulation value when damp. Nylon, acrylic and polyester do not retain as much moisture as cotton or silk. Wool is the only natural fiber that will keep you as warm as synthetics. However wool is more expensive and often less durable. Dressing with layers of Synthetic material can further customize the wicking of moisture away from your body.

 Pay special attention to the layers that cover your legs and feet. These extremities are the ones that will be immersed in cold water.  When water temperatures are below 50-degrees double layering is recommended.  Water temperatures below 40-degrees demand heavier double-layering. Two layers of fleece or even three layers are recommended when the water is in the 30's.   Pay special attention to your socks. Water runs down hill and some of your body perspiration will collect at your feet.   This happens much less with breathable waders, but is still a factor, especially if you are hiking between pools.  There is no way for wader feet to breath inside your wading shoes.  Wader feet are still made from insulating, but non-breathable neoprene.  Bootfoot breathable waders will keep you the warmest.  Thick wool/nylon blend socks that have a knitted loop pile on the inside which gives them the capacity to retain a lot of loft, even with the squeezing pressure of your waders around them. They act as a reservoir for migrant perspiration but help keep it away from your skin.  Remember, all socks are made from knitted yarns which tend to wash-out as you launder them, thereby loosing loft and insulating qualities.  Replace them often for maximum comfort.  

All of your favorite fly fishing apparel companies carries products that are made to keep you warm and comfortable during winter fishing.  Check to see what materials these products are made from, and select what you want accordingly.

As I watch my 5yr old cut out what he wants for Christmas, I think about what I need to get to stay warm this winter while I'm fishing.  Most companies are starting to release their Winter/Spring 2014 lines.  Always think about keeping your hands, feet , and head warm.  A good liner sock that wicks away moisture away from your foot with a wool sock that will absorb and insulate will help keep those feet from becoming ice blocks.  Another way to keep your feet warm is to put aside those stocking foot waders, and get a pair of bootfoot waders.  The bootfoots help keep in the warmth.  You loose a lot of heat thru a stocking foot.  For your hands, you want some polar fleece that will stay warm when wet, and also will block out the wind.  Fold overs are great because you can keep your fingers covered while fishing, walking, or even taking a break.  An extra pair is also a good idea.  Your hat can make or break your day.  You will want something that blocks the wind, and also provides warmth and can cover your ears..  Also it needs to be water resistant, because some precipitation will get on it even though you will have a hood. 

All your major companies and some small businesses will be carrying everything you need to keep your extremities warm.  Visit The Angler's Den in Pawling, NY, or your local fly shop today and take a look at what you can add to your list!