So what do you do if you still have a last-minute gift to get for the fly fisher on your list ... or if you'd like to drop a subtle hint at the eleventh hour?
Let me suggest something!
The last-minute solution
Georgiafishingbooks.com, a book publishing venture operated by North Georgia Trout Online founder and past president Aaron Sago, has what I think is a great solution to that no-more-time-to-shop-for-a-gift dilemma. It comes in the form of instantly downloadable fishing books, and they can be just the thing for procrastinators like me (or maybe you!).
There are several titles in the Georgiafishingbooks.com catalog. I've had a chance to look at a number of them, and the ones I have seen are books that I think any fly fisher will enjoy.
But in light of all the current excitement surrounding delayed harvest fishing I'd like to point out one title in particular -- "Fishing the Chattahoochee Delayed Harvest -- A Detailed Guide," researched and written by none other than Aaron Sago himself.
Exploring Hooch DH with Aaron Sago
I've had the pleasure of fishing the delayed harvest section of the Chattahoochee with Aaron, and let me tell you that you'll have a hard time finding a more knowledgeable person to get you going on the Hooch DH. He knows his stuff, and he knows how to communicate it in a truly useful book too. The result is a great book that any Chattahoochee DH fisherman will love.
Whether you're a beginning Hooch DH fisherman or a seasoned DH veteran, you'll find useful info from one end to the other of this 79-page book. It includes info on flies, on tackle, and on fishing techniques -- all of it tailored to DH. There's info on how the water fishes at different times of year, plus insights on where and when you may find fish other than trout. You'll also find many pages of detailed maps that suggest specific areas to check out as you explore the waters on your own.
There is a wealth of info in "Fishing the Chattahoochee Delayed Haravest." I've fished the Hooch DH since the beginning of the DH program, but I learned new things here.
The comment has been made that this book puts the Chattahoochee delayed harvest trout water "under a high-powered microscope." I think you'll agree -- and if you're looking for that really-and-truly last-minute gift for the fly fisher on your list, you may not need to look any further.
To get the book almost instantly, visit georgiafishingbooks.com and select the title from the on-screen list. Select "download now" at the bottom of the page, provide the requested info, and your last-minute shopping will be done.
Merry Christmas!
Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope that your gifts will include joy and happines -- and some great time on the water too!
Next time: A few ideas on what to do with those holiday gift cards...and an update on DH fishing across the state
Copyright 2010 Steve Hudson. All rights reserved.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
A great time at the Whitewater delayed harvest volunteer stocking!
 |
| Volunteers -- all trout fishing enthusiasts -- lend a hand during Wednesday's stocking of a part of the Chattahoochee delayed harvest section. The stocking took place at the Whitewater access point off U.S. 41 and Mount Paran. |
So what was the occasion?
Starting shortly after 10 a.m., an eager cadre of volunteers donned waders and boots, hefted 5-gallon buckets, and got to work on the second of this season's volunteer trout stockings at the Whitewater access point on the Chattahoochee delayed harvest section off U.S. 41 and Mount Paran Road.
The volunteer stockers placed more than 2,000 rainbow and brown trout in the river -- and among the fish stocked were a number that you'd definitely put in the "big" category.
"And that one is mine!" added another as an equally impressive rainbow made an appearance on its way to the river.
The volunteer stockers distributed the fish over a large area, in some cases wading far into the river before gently placing the fish into the flow. Believe it: There are plenty of trout in the Chattahoochee DH this year!
A family adventure for many
One of the neatest things at this week's stocking was the number of kids who were there to help. Most Atlanta area school systems were already closed for the holidays, so many parents were able to bring their children -- and many parents did.
But unfortunately for parents living in Fulton County, Fulton County's schools were still in session.
"I wish that Fulton County had been closed like everybody else," one dad said. "Then I could have brought my own kids too."
Hmmm...maybe the Fulton County Board of Education needs more fly fishers among its membership!
But the kids who were there had an absolute blast. Each time the folks unloading the stocking truck scooped up a new load of fish to place in one of the waiting buckets, the excitement level among the young people went up by several notches.
"It didn't matter to the kids whether the fish were big or little," another dad said. "They got excited about every one."
There were even some grown-up kids there. One was my daughter, visiting for Christmas from New York. She jumped right in there, toting buckets of fish with the best of them.
Believe it: Toting a five-gallon bucket of splashing water and wiggling trout is a workout, and on the way back from the river I said to another dad, "I don't know what we'd do if we didn't have these young folks to help!"
"I know what you mean!" he replied, as his young sons tugged him yet again toward the stocking truck with shouts of "Come on, Daddy. Come on! We've got to get ready so we can go catch those fish!"
And then there was fishing!
Following the completion of stocking, a number of folks hung around to enjoy some exciting catch-and-release fishing.
 |
| Bringing in a nice Hooch delayed harvest trout. |
Woollies worked well, too, especially when fished as streamers. Black or dark green seemed to be the favorites of the fish.
As the day wore on, the fish began to show more and more interest in insect imitations. By 2 p.m. they would still take "junk food" flies, but a number of fishermen were beginning to have significant success with small subsurface patterns. Soft-hackle emergers worked well.
Another factor that became more important as morning turned to afternoon was the matter of presentation. The old adage of "if you can see them then they can see you" began to come into play, and some anglers found themselves more or less nose-to-nose with fish that simply moved out of the way as flies drifted by.
But a careful approach and a precise cast would usually elicit at least a strike -- and as the afternoon progressed those strikes were starting to come on emergers and various soft hackle flies as well as on the egg imitations.
But the fish still cooperated, and every angler I chatted with said he caught fish.
Thanks to DNR -- and to all the volunteers
Georgia trout fishermen owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Department of Natural Resources for the level of support that's given to trout fishing in Georgia. Programs such as the delayed harvest initiative provide an incredible set of angling opportunities to Georgia fly fishers. We are indeed fortunate to be the beneficiaries of this kind of sportsman-oriented resource management, and Georgia DNR deserves a hearty word of thanks from all of us who enjoy the fine trout fishing that Georgia has to offer.
If you haven't had a chance to be part of a volunteer stocking day, then you're missing a great time! Make a note to yourself to be a part of the next one. You'll meet great folks. You'll have a chance to give back to fishing. And you'll be setting the stage for great days on the water for yourself and for others -- and that's one of the best gifts a fly fisher can give.
Next time: A last list of some last-minute gifts for the fly fishers on your list!
Copyright 2010 Steve Hudson. All rights reserved.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Be a volunteer trout stocker Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Whitewater on the Hooch!
One of the highlights of late fall, winter and spring trout fishing in Georgia is the delayed harvest season. It offers catch-and-release, single-hook artificials only trout angling on several streams in northern Georgia, including a nice stretch of the Chattahoochee through Atlanta.
On Wednesday, Dec. 22, you'll have a perfect opportunity to do your part for delayed harvest trout fishing on the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is asking for volunteers to help stock part of the Chattahoochee delayed harvest trout water at the Whitewater access point, and it's a perfect chance to do your part to help make this great delayed harvest fishery even better.
Check the link for directions -- the stocking will take place at location "J" near the bottom of the map.
Where and when
The stocking will take place beginning at 10:30 a.m. This is bucket brigade stocking, and it goes like this: The truck from the hatchery will arrive around 10:30, where it will be met by the volunteer stockers. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing (including waders), bring along a 5-gallon bucket, and be able to wade into the river to stock the trout.
Volunteers should also print out, complete, and bring the necessary waiver form. Blank forms should also be available at the site on stocking day.
The stocking location is just off Highway 41 and Mount Paran.
Giving back to trout fishing in Georgia
"What a great way to support trout fishing in Georgia," said one volunteer stocker at the last volunteer stocking at Whitewater. This was his first time to help with a volunteer stocking, he said, but he noted that it would not be his last. He added, "It's good to see fishermen out supporting the efforts of the Department of Natural Resources. And I had no idea that some of the stocked fish are so large!"
Another, who stayed after the stocking to enjoy a little fishing, observed that such volunteer efforts are likely to be more and more important in tight budget times such as these.
"I took some vacation time from my job to help," he said. "And I'll be taking some more to help when the next stocking comes around. Sure, it's a little bit of work. But it's a lot of fun and it helps to make sure that the fishing will be good for the rest of the delayed harvest."
Remember: Wednesday, Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m., Whitewater access. Don't miss it. It's a great way to meet fellow trout fishing enthusiasts while doing your part for trout fishing in Georgia. Just wear warm clothes. It's supposed to warm up later in the day, but those morning hours might be cold!
Next time: More last minute holiday gift ideas for Georgia fly fishers!
Copyright 2010 Steve Hudson. All rights reserved.
 |
| Volunteers help DNR stock the Hooch DH at Whitewater. |
Check the link for directions -- the stocking will take place at location "J" near the bottom of the map.
Where and when
The stocking will take place beginning at 10:30 a.m. This is bucket brigade stocking, and it goes like this: The truck from the hatchery will arrive around 10:30, where it will be met by the volunteer stockers. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing (including waders), bring along a 5-gallon bucket, and be able to wade into the river to stock the trout.
 |
| A volunteer waits to transport trout from truck to river. |
The stocking location is just off Highway 41 and Mount Paran.
Giving back to trout fishing in Georgia
"What a great way to support trout fishing in Georgia," said one volunteer stocker at the last volunteer stocking at Whitewater. This was his first time to help with a volunteer stocking, he said, but he noted that it would not be his last. He added, "It's good to see fishermen out supporting the efforts of the Department of Natural Resources. And I had no idea that some of the stocked fish are so large!"
Another, who stayed after the stocking to enjoy a little fishing, observed that such volunteer efforts are likely to be more and more important in tight budget times such as these.
 |
| Stocking trout (including some big ones!) in the Hooch DH. |
Remember: Wednesday, Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m., Whitewater access. Don't miss it. It's a great way to meet fellow trout fishing enthusiasts while doing your part for trout fishing in Georgia. Just wear warm clothes. It's supposed to warm up later in the day, but those morning hours might be cold!
Next time: More last minute holiday gift ideas for Georgia fly fishers!
Copyright 2010 Steve Hudson. All rights reserved.
A Christmas Gift Idea for Fly Fishers-- Grand Bahama Bonefish DVD!
Despite the cold weather, the trout fishing in north Georgia has been outstanding! But if the low temps are getting you down and you need a vision of warm weather to get you through the winter, here's something to think about putting on your last-minute Christmas gift list.
What could be warmer than a balmy summer day in the Bahamas? Not much, especially if you happen to be a fly fisher and the bonefish are on the flats.
You know bonefish -- they're those "freight trains with fins," as a buddy of mine once described 'em. They known for their preference for shallow flats...and for their blazing runs...and for their catchability on a fly rod. Now that's a good combination!
One of the go-to places to find bonefish is the Bahamas. But fishing for bones in the Bahamas is the pastime of the wealthy, isn't it? After all, don't you need to be prepared to drop hundreds of dollars a day for the guides, the luxury resorts, and all the rest?
Some say yes, and there's nothing wrong with that. But others say that a more budget-conscious approach can work too -- and one of them is Jimmy Jacobs.
Do-it-yourself Bahamas bones?
Jimmy Jacobs is well known to Georgia trout anglers as author of "Trout Fishing in North Georgia." It's a book for the do-it-yourself angler, with enough info to get you pointed in the right direction but not so much that it takes the fun out of exploration.
Well, Jacobs has taken the same approach to do-it-yourself Bahamas bonefishing with a recent DVD entitled "Grand Bahama Bonefish On Your Own." The video is narrated by Jacobs and features outdoor writer, photographer and fly caster Polly Dean.
What will you find in this video? It's not overly produced, and it's not Hollywood slick. Instead, it offers a concise 25-minute how-to guide that will get you learn what you need to know in order to plan your own do-it-yourself Grand Bahama bonefish adventure.
What will you find? Well, there are insights on travel practicalities such as getting to the island, finding a place to stay, and traveling around the island once you arrive, among other things. There are tips on tackle selection and flies -- as well as tips on the fishing side of things. Some of this may be familiar to Bahamas bonefishing veterans, but for those who have never taken the plunge it's exactly the kind of info that you will need.
Bonefish fishing areas too!
But one of the most useful contributions of this neat little video may well be the info it contains on finding places to fish.
Included are directions to several specific flats fishing areas. These are not of the "go here and fish right there" ilk. Rather, they're the sort of directions that fisherfolk tend to like -- the kind that put you in the right general area but leave the rest to you. As in his Georgia trout book, it looks like Jimmy has found that "just-enough-info" voice. He tells you how to find flats, offers some comments on the roads that get you there, and even provides suggestions on which flats hold bonefish on which tides.
But he leaves the rest (and the fun of discovery) to you.
For visiting anglers with limited time and real-world budgets, that's an ideal combination.
A bonefishing starting point
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to fish in a new area without a clue as to how to proceed. I've been in that position more times than I care to remember. It can be frustrating, especially if time and resources are tight.
But sometimes, while you're standing there not knowing just what to do next, a fellow angler comes along who understands and who's willing to help. That unexpected benefactor will share just enough info to get you going. That benefactor knows that while you need some basic info to get started, you also want to unravel most of the mystery yourself.
That's what you'll find in this neat little DVD -- just enough info to get your daydreaming going in high gear, with practical tips to help you turn that daydream into a reality when you finally make it happen. Consider this DVD if you need a last-minute stocking stuffer for the fly fisher on your list -- or for yourself.
"Grand Bahama Bonefish On Your Own" is available for $12.95 from Jimmy Jacobs' website (once on the site, scroll down just a little and click on the "Bookstore") and from other outlets, including several local fly fishing specialty shops.
Next time: Volunteers help stock trout at Whitewater on the delayed harvest section of the Chattahoochee in Atlanta!
Copyright Steve Hudson 2010. All rights reserved.
 |
| Dreams of Bahamas bonefish -- the ideal antidote to winter? |
You know bonefish -- they're those "freight trains with fins," as a buddy of mine once described 'em. They known for their preference for shallow flats...and for their blazing runs...and for their catchability on a fly rod. Now that's a good combination!
One of the go-to places to find bonefish is the Bahamas. But fishing for bones in the Bahamas is the pastime of the wealthy, isn't it? After all, don't you need to be prepared to drop hundreds of dollars a day for the guides, the luxury resorts, and all the rest?
Some say yes, and there's nothing wrong with that. But others say that a more budget-conscious approach can work too -- and one of them is Jimmy Jacobs.
Do-it-yourself Bahamas bones?
Jimmy Jacobs is well known to Georgia trout anglers as author of "Trout Fishing in North Georgia." It's a book for the do-it-yourself angler, with enough info to get you pointed in the right direction but not so much that it takes the fun out of exploration.
Well, Jacobs has taken the same approach to do-it-yourself Bahamas bonefishing with a recent DVD entitled "Grand Bahama Bonefish On Your Own." The video is narrated by Jacobs and features outdoor writer, photographer and fly caster Polly Dean.
What will you find in this video? It's not overly produced, and it's not Hollywood slick. Instead, it offers a concise 25-minute how-to guide that will get you learn what you need to know in order to plan your own do-it-yourself Grand Bahama bonefish adventure.
What will you find? Well, there are insights on travel practicalities such as getting to the island, finding a place to stay, and traveling around the island once you arrive, among other things. There are tips on tackle selection and flies -- as well as tips on the fishing side of things. Some of this may be familiar to Bahamas bonefishing veterans, but for those who have never taken the plunge it's exactly the kind of info that you will need.
Bonefish fishing areas too!
But one of the most useful contributions of this neat little video may well be the info it contains on finding places to fish.
Included are directions to several specific flats fishing areas. These are not of the "go here and fish right there" ilk. Rather, they're the sort of directions that fisherfolk tend to like -- the kind that put you in the right general area but leave the rest to you. As in his Georgia trout book, it looks like Jimmy has found that "just-enough-info" voice. He tells you how to find flats, offers some comments on the roads that get you there, and even provides suggestions on which flats hold bonefish on which tides.
But he leaves the rest (and the fun of discovery) to you.
For visiting anglers with limited time and real-world budgets, that's an ideal combination.
A bonefishing starting point
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to fish in a new area without a clue as to how to proceed. I've been in that position more times than I care to remember. It can be frustrating, especially if time and resources are tight.
But sometimes, while you're standing there not knowing just what to do next, a fellow angler comes along who understands and who's willing to help. That unexpected benefactor will share just enough info to get you going. That benefactor knows that while you need some basic info to get started, you also want to unravel most of the mystery yourself.
That's what you'll find in this neat little DVD -- just enough info to get your daydreaming going in high gear, with practical tips to help you turn that daydream into a reality when you finally make it happen. Consider this DVD if you need a last-minute stocking stuffer for the fly fisher on your list -- or for yourself.
"Grand Bahama Bonefish On Your Own" is available for $12.95 from Jimmy Jacobs' website (once on the site, scroll down just a little and click on the "Bookstore") and from other outlets, including several local fly fishing specialty shops.
Next time: Volunteers help stock trout at Whitewater on the delayed harvest section of the Chattahoochee in Atlanta!
Copyright Steve Hudson 2010. All rights reserved.
Friday, December 17, 2010
WELCOME TO GEORGIA FLY FISHERMAN!
Welcome to Georgia Fly Fisherman, where we'll look at all things fly fishing in the great state of Georgia!
I'm Steve Hudson, and I've been fly fishing Georgia's great waters since I was about eight years old. I've enjoyed writing about the sport for many years, and I especially enjoy sharing it with others. In fact, that's the goal here: to help you get the most out the fly fishing opportunities that Georgia has to offer by sharing insights, tips, tricks and more.
Whether it's exploring a tiny stream for native brook trout, working a pond for lunker bass, or fishing a tidal area for monster reds, Georgia offers a wealth of fly fishing opportunities to explore. That's what we'll be doing in the weeks and months to come, and I look forward to your comments.
Welcome aboard!
Cold weather...hot fishing!
So it's 26 degrees outside. The steps are iced over. The walk down to the truck is a solid sheet of ice. The doors to the darned truck are even frozen shut.
But is it too cold for a little trout fishing with the fly rod?
Not at all.!
One of the best-kept secrets in fly fishing today is that winter is one of the best times to hit the water with a fly rod. It's not hard to see why either.
Why winter fly fishing?
Why indeed? For many fans of wintertime fly fishing, one of the biggest reasons is that cold weather means uncrowded streams. In fact, on most cold winter days the angling crowds will be light to nonexistent -- even on well known and easily accessible waters.
Does the cold bother the fish? Warmwater species like bream and bass will definitely slow down (or maybe shut down) as the weather turns cold. On the other hand, trout can love it. For example, fly fishermen on waters such as the delayed harvest section of the Chattahoochee in Atlanta or Smith Creek in Unicoi State Park know that some of the best action of the season can come on those cold or dreary days when people with more sense are sitting at home by the fire.
Staying warm 101
The key to wintertime fly fishing is to stay warm, and experienced wintertime outdoors enthusiasts will affirm that layering of clothing can be a key. Rather than wear one thick coat, you should instead layer your clothing.
Start with a wicking-type fabric next to your skin. Such wicking fabrics draw moisture away from your skin, helping you to avoid that damp and clammy feeling that's often the first sign you're on the road to miserable.
Experienced wintertime outdoors enthusiasts will also tell you that staying warm means giving particular attention to head, feet and hands. Keep those warm, and the rest will follow. But if head, hands or feet get cold, you'll soon begin feeling the chill all over. Here's how:
Hat: You lose a great deal of heat through your head, so wear a hat that keeps you warm. Experienced wintertime anglers prefer hats that not only cover your ears but cover your neck (with a scarf, a full-head hat, or even a ski mask, depending on conditions and preference) as well. You may not look as stylish as those sporting only western-style fishing hats, but you may be a lot warmer.
Footwear: Start with the socks. Layering is a good idea there, too. Start with a thin wicking-type liner sock worn next to the skin. Top it with a thicker cushioning sock, and you're half way there. And the other half of the puzzle? Make sure that your boots or other footwear are not too tight. Tight boots will impede circulation in your feet, and that means cold feet (and inevitably a cold rest of you) in no time.
A special word on hands
You lose an incredible amount of heat through uncovered hands, especially if your hands get wet (and when you're fishing, wet hands are pretty much a given). The way to deal with it is with a good set of gloves. Wool or fleece will stay relatively warm even when damp, so they're good bets.
These days, purpose-made angling gloves are not hard to find. What should you look for? Flexibility, for one thing. A stiff glove isn't much use, no matter how warm it is.
And what about fingers? Should your gloves be fingerless? Fingerless gloves expose the fingertips, making it possible to tie on new flies and handle other such tasks without having to shed your gloves. The exposed finger tips can become chilly, however. One compromise: fingertip-less gloves with a fold-over mitten to cover your fingers when additional warmth is needed.
In any case, for insurance, carry a second set of gloves. That way, should the first set get too wet to be comfortable, you can break out the back-up and continue with arm hands.
What about jackets?
Another key to winter fishing comfort, especially if it's damp or drizzling, is a good breatheable jacket. It will keep the rain on the outside, but it will let water vapor from perspiration (yes, you will sweat even when it's cold outside) escape. Again, the result is that you avoid that damp, clammy feeling.
You'll especially appreciate a good breatheable jacket if you have to hike any distance to your favorite wintertime fishing spot. It's surprising how much heat you can generate on even a short hike, particularly when you're wearing waders (they should be breatheable too).
Other tips for staying warm?
What are your favorite tricks for staying warm while fishing in winter? Let me know, and we'll pass them on!
Next time: Last-minute gift ideas for fly fishers, part 1!
Copyright Steve Hudson 2010. All rights reserved.
I'm Steve Hudson, and I've been fly fishing Georgia's great waters since I was about eight years old. I've enjoyed writing about the sport for many years, and I especially enjoy sharing it with others. In fact, that's the goal here: to help you get the most out the fly fishing opportunities that Georgia has to offer by sharing insights, tips, tricks and more.
Whether it's exploring a tiny stream for native brook trout, working a pond for lunker bass, or fishing a tidal area for monster reds, Georgia offers a wealth of fly fishing opportunities to explore. That's what we'll be doing in the weeks and months to come, and I look forward to your comments.
Welcome aboard!
Cold weather...hot fishing!
So it's 26 degrees outside. The steps are iced over. The walk down to the truck is a solid sheet of ice. The doors to the darned truck are even frozen shut.
 |
| Winter fly fishing -- Georgia's best kept secret? |
Not at all.!
One of the best-kept secrets in fly fishing today is that winter is one of the best times to hit the water with a fly rod. It's not hard to see why either.
Why winter fly fishing?
Why indeed? For many fans of wintertime fly fishing, one of the biggest reasons is that cold weather means uncrowded streams. In fact, on most cold winter days the angling crowds will be light to nonexistent -- even on well known and easily accessible waters.
Does the cold bother the fish? Warmwater species like bream and bass will definitely slow down (or maybe shut down) as the weather turns cold. On the other hand, trout can love it. For example, fly fishermen on waters such as the delayed harvest section of the Chattahoochee in Atlanta or Smith Creek in Unicoi State Park know that some of the best action of the season can come on those cold or dreary days when people with more sense are sitting at home by the fire.
Staying warm 101
The key to wintertime fly fishing is to stay warm, and experienced wintertime outdoors enthusiasts will affirm that layering of clothing can be a key. Rather than wear one thick coat, you should instead layer your clothing.
Start with a wicking-type fabric next to your skin. Such wicking fabrics draw moisture away from your skin, helping you to avoid that damp and clammy feeling that's often the first sign you're on the road to miserable.
Experienced wintertime outdoors enthusiasts will also tell you that staying warm means giving particular attention to head, feet and hands. Keep those warm, and the rest will follow. But if head, hands or feet get cold, you'll soon begin feeling the chill all over. Here's how:
 |
| A warm hat can be a key to comfy wintertime fly fishing. |
Footwear: Start with the socks. Layering is a good idea there, too. Start with a thin wicking-type liner sock worn next to the skin. Top it with a thicker cushioning sock, and you're half way there. And the other half of the puzzle? Make sure that your boots or other footwear are not too tight. Tight boots will impede circulation in your feet, and that means cold feet (and inevitably a cold rest of you) in no time.
A special word on hands
You lose an incredible amount of heat through uncovered hands, especially if your hands get wet (and when you're fishing, wet hands are pretty much a given). The way to deal with it is with a good set of gloves. Wool or fleece will stay relatively warm even when damp, so they're good bets.
These days, purpose-made angling gloves are not hard to find. What should you look for? Flexibility, for one thing. A stiff glove isn't much use, no matter how warm it is.
And what about fingers? Should your gloves be fingerless? Fingerless gloves expose the fingertips, making it possible to tie on new flies and handle other such tasks without having to shed your gloves. The exposed finger tips can become chilly, however. One compromise: fingertip-less gloves with a fold-over mitten to cover your fingers when additional warmth is needed.
In any case, for insurance, carry a second set of gloves. That way, should the first set get too wet to be comfortable, you can break out the back-up and continue with arm hands.
What about jackets?
Another key to winter fishing comfort, especially if it's damp or drizzling, is a good breatheable jacket. It will keep the rain on the outside, but it will let water vapor from perspiration (yes, you will sweat even when it's cold outside) escape. Again, the result is that you avoid that damp, clammy feeling.
You'll especially appreciate a good breatheable jacket if you have to hike any distance to your favorite wintertime fishing spot. It's surprising how much heat you can generate on even a short hike, particularly when you're wearing waders (they should be breatheable too).
Other tips for staying warm?
What are your favorite tricks for staying warm while fishing in winter? Let me know, and we'll pass them on!
Next time: Last-minute gift ideas for fly fishers, part 1!
Copyright Steve Hudson 2010. All rights reserved.
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