[bigtroutchaser]

Let's hear it from you guys......WHAT do you like best for keeping warm in the coming colder H2O??

I was out last night (mountain lake) and near dark it got my attention......temps starting to drop.

I usually wear a few pair of poly prop thermals with a pair of old sweats over the top....but that is marginal when it really drops. By the end of this month, my best lake location will be snowing sideways. Then we drop down from steelhead. Ideas?

Anyone ever use electric socks with extended wires?? Just curious if that is even to be considered?

Best to you ALL this Fall.

 

[Jabrowning24]

I'd usually fish once or twice a month on the Kenai all winter, yes January in AK standing in the water. One trip last year (Feb I think) weather said it was supposed to be mid 20's out and when we got to the water the car said -9 and that was without the wind!

Okay that was my qualifier to post... I honestly never go too crazy, a real thin synthetic layer (I think Sitka base) and then some fleece "wader pants" cheaper brand too and then of course my for tex waders, very similar on my feet. Thin merino and then heavy wool... Not saying it would cut all the cold put but I would fish hours at a time in single digits, you can't even get to shore before your waders are blocks of ice!

 

[thunderbolt]

I fish all the time down to 0 degees. Besides for the guides icing up and being a pain I have found a way for me to be comfortable. For me the most important thing is not having boots that are too tight. I second the comment on wool and would wear a pair of thinner wool socks with a second larger thick pair. If it's bad, I will just wear insulated boot foot waders that when layered properly i can duck hunt to -20 and feel alright. I've never used anything electric in the water as I would be afraid of zapping myself somehow. It might just me but I love the feeling of standing in the cold water with my face stinging from the wind and a runny nose. Makes me feel alive.

 

[topwater]

stick on foot warmers have worked well for me fishing cold glacial rivers in 15-25 degree temps outside. i use a thin sock first, stick it on that thinner sock, and then put a thicker sock over the top (smartwool mountaineer socks). definitely kept the numbness away.

 

[clarkii]

Who uses Farenheit anymore?

:razz:

Anyway I really like the simms extreme wader socks. They aren't cheap ($30 a pair) but they are merino wool so if they get wet they are still warm. I also usually throw fleece pants overtop so I'm set.

Just have to make sure your feet aren't cramped, as no circulation = no warmth.

 

[fredaevans]

Couple of things come to mind.

Silk socks first, then light wool dress socks (yes, the same one's you'd ware to a 'office job'), and then (I think) they're called 'Seal Skin' wicking booties over the 'all.'

I don't care how cold the water/weather, with a proper fitting boot, your toes will stay 'toastie.' And NOTHING will kill a trip faster than cold feet.:saevilw:

fae

 

[matuka mike]

wool, wool, and maybe fleece over top. merino wool these last few years has changed the game for me. thin and thick sox down below w/ merino base layer top and bottom. fleece covers that. never found a better combo. chem hand warmer packs in pockets complete the system.

 

[bconrad]

Boots that are a size too big and a good pair of socks!

 

[athabascae]

Let's hear it from you guys......WHAT do you like best for keeping warm in the coming colder H2O??

a full flask

 

[fyshhead]

a full flask

Along with Bama sockets!

 

[flytyercurt]

i use thin capilene sock then merino wool sock over those and keep boots on the loose side. also make sure you have fish on the end of your line. that will either keep you warm or make it so you dont notice how cold you are. if that doesnt work, some bourbon and a nice walk will warm to toes.

 

[Black Zonky]

keep boots on the loose side

this is the number 1 factor. tight boots equal cold feet no matter what insulation you use.

 

[Wild Bill]

Get out and go for a walk..

If you wade deep and the run is a long one,eventually your feet are going to get cold.I've tried everything everything from stick on heaters to different sock materials,loosened up boots....when deep the pressure from the water increases as you go deeper there by putting pressure on your ankles-feet cutting off circulation or at least decreasing it....and the cold creeps in...the only cure??? Get out and go for a walk to get circulation going again and bring warmth back to your feet.
....The one thing I haven't tried is boot foot waders,which I am told don't compress and cut off circulation or reduce it so that your feet get cold.

WB

 

[fredaevans]

Yes, and yes, and yes

this is the number 1 factor. tight boots equal cold feet no matter what insulation you use.

As is the post just above. I read the advertisements for 'boots' and the best this/that and just cringe. The add writer obviously hasn't spent an hour in cold water.
:saevilw:

 

[GBrenowitz]

Neoprene stockings

What makes bootfoot waders so warm is lots of neoprene for insulation and ample room for circulation. Last year I fished in medium weight wool socks and a pair of NRS 3mm neoprene stockings inside my stocking foot waders. I still had plenty of wiggle room in my boots. My feet stayed almost as warm as they do in my Simms extreme bootfoots.