We have had several Fly Shop Tips on winter fishing here in Missouri or for that matter anywhere else. It is important to understand the things that can go wrong during winter fishing. What to wear and what NOT to wear is very important. To have a great day of fishing it is important to think ahead and prepare before you go!!
I have copied two past website articles for you to read that will help you enjoy winter fishing better. Please note with my 19 years leading the FATC I have seen all the good things and mistakes that guys have made when winter fishing. Try your best to avoid these mistakes and learn from the past.
Remember if you want to fish in the State Parks (Montauk, Bennett, and Roaring River) during the winter catch and release season they are only open Friday through Monday, Meramec Spring park is open 7 days per week and all rivers are open to fishing. You do not need to buy a fishing “tag” in the parks but you do need a trout permit on your license. Lake Taneycomo is also open to fishing seven days per week.
Article 1:
Winter Fly Fishing: Expert Strategies for Success
As temperatures drop and rivers quiet, winter fly fishing offers unique rewards for those prepared to face the cold. Here are essential tips to ensure comfort, safety, and success on the water this season.
Dress for the Elements
- Layer Wisely: Select moisture-wicking base layers such as merino wool or polypropylene. Avoid cotton entirely—once wet, it traps moisture and increases the risk of hypothermia. Cotton jeans and cotton hoodies are made of cotton!! Don’t wear them!
- Thermal Base Layers: Invest in quality thermal bottoms and tops, adjusting thickness to match the day’s conditions. Merino wool remains a top choice for warmth and comfort.
- Socks Matter: Always wear merino wool socks. Brands like Smartwool offer reliable warmth—just check the wool content for best results.
- Head Protection: A wool cap, buff, or balaclava will help retain heat and keep you comfortable throughout the day.
- Hand Warmth: Try nitrile gloves beneath fingerless gloves to keep hands dry and warm. For extra comfort, stash hand warmers in your pockets.
- Outer Layer: A thin, waterproof jacket is invaluable for blocking wind and staying dry in harsh conditions.
Safety First
- Wading Belt: Always wear a snug wading belt. It can prevent cold water from flooding your waders if you fall in, protecting you from dangerous chills.
Tackle and Technique
- Frozen Guides: If your rod guides freeze, dip them in the river to clear ice. The water is often warmer than the air and will help restore flexibility, even if only briefly.
- Reel Care: Avoid getting your reel wet to prevent freezing. Keep extra line out to manage fish runs if your reel does freeze and be prepared to dunk it in the water to thaw if necessary.
Winter fly fishing demands preparation, but with the right gear and strategies, you’ll enjoy productive days on the river—even when the mercury drops. Share your own tips and stories with fellow anglers and make the most of this rewarding season.
Article 2:
Grasshoppers:
Unfortunately, I have never watched Game of Thrones but the line ‘Winter is Coming’ in the show fits well for these winter fly fishing tips. With the winter season approaching please don’t head out to the waters unprepared. Make sure you are ready for whatever the winter brings you when on the water. Here are a few tips I can pass along to make sure you have an enjoyable winter fishing experience. Winter fishing in Missouri is the best so don’t miss it but embrace it!
1. Understand your limits. Know how much cold you can stand. Check the forecast and make a wise decision to fish or not.
2. Dress appropriately! No cotton. That means no cotton – no cotton socks, jeans, underwear, T-shirts, etc. Cotton holds the moisture if you fall in, and it could give you just a few minutes before hypothermia sets in. Hypothermia, if cold enough outside, can be deadly! Wear wool, fleece, or the new wicking type materials on the market today. Many companies are now making excellent cold weather gear. Merino wool is the best to wear – yes, it can be expensive but aren’t you worth it?
3. Keep your head covered. Wear a buff and hat for warmth, better yet wear a balaclava.
4. Wear gloves if you get cold hands try fly fishing gloves of wool or fleece. (Fingerless work great). Also investigate wearing rubber Nitrile gloves (pick them up at Lowe’s or Home Depot). They won’t keep your hands warm necessarily but will keep them dry! I like wearing them in combination with my fingerless fleece gloves.
5. Bring some hand warmers to put in your waders or jacket pocket. Small foot warmers in your boots (if they fit ok) but definitely in your wader or jacket pockets.
6. Back to number one again – must mean this is important. Wear “good” cold weather underwear (tops and bottoms) under your waders NOT jeans, sweatshirts, or T-shirts – they’re cotton. Buy one or two top quality cold weather gear clothing (wear in layers) then you won’t need to buy again. Good cold weather gear should be thinner than the cheap stuff, so you won’t look like the Michelin tire man when fishing.
7. Wear a waterproof winter jacket – rain gear works for this. Again, top quality gear is best and will last a lifetime. I wear a winter type jacket that is waterproof, best of both worlds.
8. In your gear bag, Bring a small bag of extra clothing. If you by chance fall in and get wet, you will have the opportunity to change into dry clothes and continue fishing (plus you will be dry and warm).
9. You’re cold? – get out of the water and take a short walk to warm up.
10. NEVER fish ALONE!! You may need a friend to help you if you fall and are injured or wet – hypothermia kills.
11. Do you have cleats on your boats? You should. In Missouri we must wear rubber bottom boots, and they work much better if you use cleats too. Make sure you buy an excellent quality boot – Get sturdy, quality boots. If you are on a budget, then I would advise putting more money into your boots than your waders. So many fly fishers think it’s the other way around.
12. Buy a good wading staff to help you navigate in the water (I highly recommend Folstaf wading staff) – no matter your age. Bring a staff and use it in case you must cross fast moving water – the staff could prevent you from falling in.
13. Keep a set of car keys (whoever is driving) somewhere hidden outside the car so the guy that falls in can get warm and change clothes, in case the driver cannot be located.
14. Be aware that trout out of the water in freezing weather can kill them quickly – their gills may freeze out of water. Keep the trout in the water in your net and release immediately but if you need a picture make sure the trout is only out of the water for a few seconds.
15. Bring something hot for lunch – soup or chili in a thermos goes down well – even hot chocolate or coffee sounds good.
16. Know your flies for winter. Check hatch charts. There are fewer hatches in the winter, but the nymphs or larva are still in the rivers. Remember midges are around all year so you may need to go small.
17. Bring a flask for a nip or two?? That’s your choice!
Be prepared for winter fishing – just don’t go without prior planning.