How do you keep warm?

[cmcdhuibh]

Sometimes out walking along the river I see those that brave the ice/snow winter temps and wonder, if it where me do I really want to put my hand in that water to release the fish.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Years ago we only had cotton long underwear or wool long underwear.

Cotton soaked up water and wool was itchy.

Then came synthetic polyproline long underwear and socks that could be easily dried.


Breathable waders and raincoats changed everything.

Rubberized rain coats and old rubble waders all filled with moisture from the humidity.


Young anglers have no idea how good they have it.

[geedavell]

Take her to Florida?

Her son lives in Denver, that's HER main reason for going.
Mine is for the fishing.
I got the Smart wool base layers on order now. Should be here tomorrow.
Thanks for all the info.

[cmcdhuibh]

If you have time and weather is good take the trip up to Estes Park.
The elk are plentiful and usually hanging around town or on the golf courses, and of course take the drive through the park.(not on a holiday!)

[Sonoman]

one more thing...I like wearing nitrile gloves under my fleece gloves to keep my hands dry. It's a big help for keeping my hands warm. I get the thick(er) 6mil mechanics gloves from the auto parts store and I can still tie knots

[Darian]

"Sometimes out walking along the river I see those that brave the ice/snow winter temps and wonder, if it where me do I really want to put my hand in that water to release the fish."

As a long time winter, estuary fly fisher, I found that when I had to release fish the water wasn't cold as it was warmer than the air temps. So, when cold, I would stick my bare hands in the water, then in my arm pits to warm/dry 'em. Of course, there wasn't ice/snow on the ground, then....

[Brian Clemens]

I wrote an article in the winter addition of California fly fisher last year about keeping warm during winter steelhead season. A few keep points if you can't get ahold of it
1) size up a pair for boots, I wear a 10-10.5 shoe, wear a 11 for normal socks, sz12 for winter socks
2)keep core warm, a vest helps out a ton, keep it as close to your body as possible. Have a heavy layer on your legs, the blood going to your toes gets cold fast, keeping those legs warm is critical. I even cut a pair of thermals into shorts as an extra layer around my upper legs, but not bulky down low
2a) layer layer layer merino wool
3) you can get warming insoles. Take your soles out of your boots, them put the warmer soles inside your waders then slip into your boots. Your feet will thank me later
4)if your hands get cold, stuff hot hands in your armits
5)do not over tighten your boots ever