The Best Winter Fly Fishing Gear For 2023

If you have never tried winter fly fishing, you shouldn’t let the 2023 winter season end without casting your line.  With a little planning and the right gear, the cold can provide solitude from other fly fishers while still staying comfortable.  and having fun with family members and friends. Depending on where you fish winters can be mild or harsh.  So, to help you prepare for the winter of 2023, we have compiled for you the best winter fly fishing gear for the coming winter.

The 6 Best Winter Fly Fishing Gear

1.   Simms Men’s Merino Thermal OTC Socks

We must consider two things when it comes to winter fly fishing. The first thing we should consider is wearing the right gear to help us remove the sweat while keeping the blood flow. After all, if our blood stops flowing to our feet, we may find ourselves in the car within the shortest time possible. Therefore, we need the right socks to keep our feet dry, like the Simms Men’s Merino Thermal OTC socks.

Simm’s thermal pair is a unique pair of socks designed to keep your blood flowing and still remove the sweat. It’s made using merino wool; this pair can draw the sweat away from your skin while remaining odor-free.

Keeping Your Toes Safe

The second thing we have to consider is comfort; therefore, you need a pair that can keep your toes safe. Fortunately, these socks are high-quality mid-calf height pairs of socks with reinforced toe, heel, and midfoot support. Therefore, they can keep you comfortable all day long, even when walking on sharp rocks.

The merino wool makes it the best option for winter fishing, thanks to its ideal for thermal regulation on cold and warm days. The high-quality wool can quickly draw sweat away from your skin. Another thing that stands out is its extra fine fiber guarantees a no-shrink layer without odor and itching. (source)

Specs

• Brand: Simms
• Material: merino wool
• Size: medium to X-large

Pros

• Itch and odor free
• It comes with Simm’s repair warranty
• Thermal regulating ability
• Can keep you warm

Guide Recommended: Looking for prices and more reviews on the Simm’s socks? Here’s a shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Simms Men’s Merino Thermal OTC Socks

Cons

• None

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 fish 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟

2.   Redington I/O Fleece Men’s Thermal Pants

With your feet dry and warm, your next step should be keeping your lower extremities warm, which means you will need a pair of thermal pants. Thermal pants are designed to keep your feet dry and warm while ensuring that you’re comfortable, and one of the best options to guarantee this is the merino wool thermal pants like the Redington men’s thermal pants.

These O/I Fleece pants are made from 100% super soft merino wool, which means you will never have to worry about itchiness or cold. (source)

Best Features

The Redington I/O Fleece men’s thermals can keep you warm in winter and cool in summer; therefore, it is must-have gear for your next winter fly fishing trip. Plus, the fact that it’s quick-drying pants is a bonus.

Another reason this pant is the best is that it’s made from all-natural superfine merino wool that is breathable. Its natural wicking properties will keep you comfortable and dry while fishing in the winter of 2023.

Plus, its odor-resistant means you will never have to worry about odor, even when fishing for a few days.

Specs

• Brand: Redington
• Material: Polyester for warmth and moisture
• Color: Black
• Size: XS to 3XL

Pros

• Foot stirrup
• Breathable
• Odor-resistance
• It can easily wick the sweat from your body

Guide Recommended: Looking for prices and more reviews on the Redington I/O. Here’s a shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Redington I/O Fleece Men’s Thermal Pants

Cons

None

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 fish 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟

3.   Frogg Toggs Steelheader Bootfoot Wader

With the right shirt and jacket for covering your torso and arms, the next must-have gear for winter fishing is a pair of waders. Waders are crucial to winter fly fishing as they can protect you from wind and wet weather. And one of the best pairs of waders I trust is the Frogg Toggs wader. I have owned this pair of waders for the last two years, and it has never failed me for budget gear.

Best Features

Waders fit well, are comfortable, and can keep your feet warm all day long. Frogg Toggs waders work perfectly with or without an electric pair of socks. Some of my fishing buddies have compared it to top brands, like the Simms G3 waders, and are happy with its price and efficiency.

The only downside I found with these waders is that the boots are a tad heavy, which is common for Thinsulate boots. Plus, heavy always means durable, so you should expect it to serve you for a very long time.

These waders have a removable liner system that provides extra warmth come winter, which allows them to be worn all year long. The waders come with zippered storage pockets to keep your valuables safe and dry when it’s raining. The 1,200grams Thinsulate boots can keep your feet warm all day while protecting them from injuries. (source)

Specs

• Brand: Frogg Toggs
• Materials: nylon, Thinsulate
• Weight: 9.6 ounces

Pros

• Durable
• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Can keep you warm

Guide Recommended: Looking for prices and more reviews on the Steelheader’s. Here’s a shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Frogg Toggs Steelheader Bootfoot Wader

Cons

• The boots are a bit narrow

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 fish 🐟🐟🐟🐟

4.   Simms Men’s Challenger Insulated Jacket

With your entire body covered, it’s time to protect yourself from the rain and the strong chilly wind associated with winter. Therefore, you need a reliable fly fishing jacket like the Simms Men’s Challenger Insulated Jacket. The jacket is designed to keep you comfortable, warm, and dry, even when it’s snowing.

Remember, with your wader, shoes, headgear, and warm shirt, the only parts of your body left uncovered are your arms, shoulders, and sometimes your head. Therefore, you need a waterproof jacket when winter fishing to stop you from getting cold, wet, and potentially sick.

The colder it gets, the more layers of cloth you’ll need, but with this waterproof ice fishing coat, you will dress less and stay warm. This jacket has a fabric technology that was formulated for winter fishing.

Best Features

This insulated jacket is made to keep your body warm even on the coldest days, thanks to the Primaloft insulation. Another feature that Simms added to ensure that you stay warm is the two layers of fabric.

The PrimaLoft silver well insulates it; therefore, you’re guaranteed a warm fishing experience in winter. The PrimaLoft insulation can help you maintain over 85% of the warmth in winter. (source)

Plus, the fact that it is fully adjustable for comfort thanks to the dual draw-cord adjustable bottom hem and 3-point adjustable storm hood is a bonus.

Specs

• Brand: Simms
• Size: medium – 3X-Large
• Color: Black

Pros

• Can maintain over 85% of the heat in winter
• Waterproof
• Durable
• Breathable membrane

Guide Recommended: Are you read to stay warn this winter? Seriously consider the Insulated Challenger Jacket. Check current prices and reviews on Amazon with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Simms Men’s Challenger Insulated Jacket

Cons

• None

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 fish 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟

5.   Simms Wool Half-Finger Gloves

Simms is a top brand; therefore, we had to include another gear from them in our roundup of the best fly fishing gear for winter. After all, most of the gear you will need to keep yourself warm in winter should be made from wool; therefore, it makes sense that you do the same with your hands.

And one of the woolen pairs of gloves that can keep your fingers warm while guaranteeing flexibility is the Simm wool half-finger gloves.

With the Simms Wool half-finger gloves, you can enjoy all winter outdoor activities, including fly fishing. Thanks to its moisture-wicking characteristics, the perfect combination of nylon and wool will guarantee that your hands will remain dry while fishing. (source)

They are half-finger gloves, so you can quickly move your fingers while casting your line. Plus, the extra thin-knit wool provides you with the needed protection during the cold weather.

Specs

• Brand: Simms
• Orientation: unisex
• Material: wool/nylon
• Weight: 3.04 ounces

Pros

• Durable
• It offers ultra-grip
• It comes with Simm’s guarantee for a defect in quality
• Can keep your hands warm

Guide Recommended: Looking for prices and more reviews on the Simm’s Gloves? Here’s a shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Simms Wool Half-Finger Gloves

Cons

• Costly

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 fish 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟

6.   Lip Balm to Prevent Your Line Guides from Icing

You might already be carrying the solution, winter time can chap lips quickly, but another use is to apply it to you line guides.

When a wet leader and line pass through the small metals on your fly rod in winter, they can quickly become icy, thanks to the low temperature. Plus, casting your line or doing anything with your fishing gear can become almost impossible when they become icy.

On the other hand, clearing the ice with your hands can be pretty tedious; therefore, we need a reliable solution, and one of the best options is lip balm. 

Lip balm can prevent your leader, line, and rod from becoming icy quickly when fly fishing. The non-stick lip balm is the best solution for anyone fishing using their normal fly lines and who doesn’t want to deal with icy fishing gear. (source)

Specs

• Brand: Various
• Easy to carry tubes
• Flavor: All kinds of flavors

Pros

• Affordable
• Environmentally friendly
• Can prevent your line from becoming icy
• Non-toxic
• Easy to find

Guide Recommended: Get lip balm at nearly any convenience store. Just leave a tube with your fishing gear. I’ve found the waxy lip balm like Chapstick is best.

Cons

None

Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5

Factors To Consider When Looking for Your Winter Fly Fishing Gear

For most folks, the snow season is associated with staying indoors and doing everything humanly possible to keep warm and away from the lakes and rivers. But did you know that winter is the best time to fly fish? However, winter fly fishing comes with several challenges. Therefore, you need the right gear to stay warm and keep ice away from your gear. However, picking the right option can be challenging with the many available options. So here are a few things you must consider:

Warmth

The right fly fishing gear should be able to keep you warm and dry, especially when it starts snowing. Therefore, you need the right pair of thermal socks and pants to wear under your waders. Don’t forget to cover your fingers and shoulders.

Rain

Generally, most American states receive some rainfall during winter. Being prepared with a wading jacket that’s water resistant and insulated is essential. The Simms Men’s Challenger Insulated Jacket, can protect you from the icy cold breeze and rainfall. I don’t know about you, but I am not a big fan of the cold, so I want a jacket that does a good job combatting the cold on my behalf.

How Do I Keep My Gear from Freezing?

There are several winter fly fishing rods, reels, and lines that you can purchase, but if that’s not an option, you can still use your usual gear. Unfortunately, your line is likely to become icy; therefore, you should carry a reliable de-icing product that can keep your like ice-free. After all, removing the ice with your fingers can be very tedious.

One More Cast in the Winter

Winter fishing can be very rewarding if done correctly, but you must wear the right gear to keep you warm. It would be best if you had clothes made using breathable materials that can wick out your sweat while keeping your body warm. A waterproof wader and jacket can also come in handy when fly fishing in winter, so why don’t you purchase the above gear and have fun fly fishing come winter?

Sources

1. Amazon contributor, Simms Men’s Merino Thermal OTC Socks, https://www.amazon.com/Simms-Fishing-Products-Merino-Thermal/dp/B09FJ2BZ54/ accessed August 18, 2022
2. Amazon contributor, Meriwool Men’s Thermal Pants, https://www.amazon.com/MERIWOOL-Layer-Merino-Thermal-Pants/dp/B086BLWX9H/ accessed August 18, 2022
3. Amazon contributor, Frogg Toggs Steelheader Bootfoot Wader, https://www.amazon.com/Frogg-Toggs-Steelheader-Reinforced-Breathable/dp/B07FF994MJ/ accessed August 18, 2022
4. Amazon contributor, Simms Men’s Challenger Insulated Jacket, https://www.amazon.com/Simms-Mens-Challenger-Insulated-Jacket/dp/B08FKRFF73/ accessed August 18, 2022
5. Amazon contributor, Simms Wool Half-Finger Gloves, https://www.amazon.com/Simms-Finger-Medium-Cinder-12490-255-2030/dp/B07JHWQY81/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DPGC6ZB6VWPI&keywords=Simms+Wool+Half+Finger+Glove&qid=1660520781&sprefix=simms+wool+half+finger+glove%2Caps%2C990&sr=8-1/ accessed August 18, 2022