Wearing the appropriate clothing when fly fishing will help prevent you from overheating or freezing, as well as provide protection from sun, wind, streamside vegetation and animals that might be present.
An effective rain jacket is essential. A Simms Waypoints rain jacket or Patagonia Torrentshell should do the trick.
Sun Protection
Fly fishers need to remain sun aware. No matter the time or season, sun exposure will wreak havoc on exposed skin for most of the day, which makes sunblock essential. Clothing made from UV protective fabrics also should be worn when possible to cover any vulnerable skin areas and provide further sun protection.
A wide-brimmed hat will help shield your neck, ears and face from the harmful UV rays of the sun, while sunglasses are an essential item for fly fishing. Polarized lenses provide extra protection by cutting glare off of water surfaces and enabling anglers to see river bottom structure, fish holding structures and fish more clearly.
As with any activity, covering up can only make you safer, but there are clothing options that provide both UV protection and breathability. When looking for the ideal shirt with both UV and breathability characteristics in mind, select one with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 30 or higher; these lightweight loose fitting shirts typically have a loose fit designed to keep you cool while wading and casting. Adding quick-drying nylon fly fishing pants like Simms’ Superlight Pant or Patagonia’s Sandy Cay Pant to the mix can also keep you cool while wading and casting!
Pack an effective insect repellent spray. Slow-moving streams provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other flying pests; to stay comfortable during your adventure you’ll need to keep these pesky insects at bay.
Finally, gloves will help to protect your hands from blisters while maintaining dexterity when handling flies. A pair of neoprene gloves could provide added insulation against cold water as well as wet surfaces while fly fishing.
Warmth
Fly fishing requires you to spend considerable time outside, exposed to all kinds of elements. Movement, sweating and getting wet all contribute to an outdoor fishing experience which necessitates warmth in order to prevent cold or irritated skin conditions from appearing.
Numerous clothing brands have tailored garments specifically designed to cater to fly fishermen. These pieces tend to be lightweight, comfortable, and provide warmth without restricting movement – such as waterproof jackets. By wearing one during your trip you’ll stay dry and warm!
An essential piece of equipment to have is a good pair of thin gloves. Wearing them will prevent wet hands from getting cold, which will provide additional warmth. Many anglers prefer medical gloves because of their dexterity when tying flies, casting, and stripping flies.
As with any form of fishing, hiking shoes are an essential component for fly fishing. They will give your feet enough grip on slippery rocks or sand while protecting them from cold water temperatures. Some anglers opt for wading boots when fishing rivers and creeks that are too deep to walk through.
Hats are essential pieces of gear that should accompany you when fishing, protecting both your head and helping retain some body heat. Brightly-colored or flashy hats should be avoided as these may attract fish’s attention and scare them off; for best results, dark or earth-toned hues would work best.
An essential item when it comes to fly fishing is a rain jacket. Storms can strike without warning, and having one such as Simms Waypoints or Patagonia Torrent Shell will keep you fishing instead of stuck inside when the rain pours down!
Storage
As with any fishing expedition, being prepared is paramount when fly fishing. This includes everything from clothing choices and gear choices to shoes with excellent tread for ankle support – both essential when wading through water – to having all essential items such as your waterproof camera, snacks and first-aid kit all together in one convenient spot – while casting casts.
Dependent upon the weather conditions, multiple layers of clothing may be necessary to remain warm during fly fishing excursions. Thermal underwear, fleece jacket and hat can all make great additions to a wardrobe of fly fishermen. Waders are also important in cold conditions to help stay dry during fishing excursions.
Gloves can help keep your hands warm while fishing. Neoprene gloves offer both durability and lightweight comfort; you may prefer these, though neoprene may restrict movement making tying flies more challenging while wearing them. An alternative would be an insulated fishing mitt with Velcro or latch holding system which folds open for casts.
Storage of gear is also crucial to its long-term preservation. After every use, be sure to thoroughly clean all equipment to avoid build-up of grime and dirt – use a toothbrush for this, while damp cloth works great at wiping down handles and waders/boots should be stored in cool, dry environments to prevent mildew growth – plus fly lines should be loosely wound without becoming coiled for storage in order to avoid developing memory.
Comfort
An effective way to ensure an enjoyable fly fishing experience is to wear comfortable clothing. After all, you will likely spend considerable time outdoors under the sun or water and it is essential that your clothes provide maximum comfort during this activity.
An investment in comfortable and quick drying nylon fly fishing pants is essential. Not only will these provide protection from streamside brush and mosquitos while remaining cool and dry, they’ll also give you the mobility necessary to cast effectively and manage your line effectively.
An ideal hat is an essential accessory for fly fishermen. A proper hat will block out sunrays and reflect it away from your eyes, providing enhanced casting visibility while simultaneously avoiding blinding reflections on the water surface that scare fish away. Choose the one best suited to you from our selection.
Not only will a hat protect against the sun, it will also shield your face from wind and cold while keeping you cool and free of insects. Many models even come equipped with built-in face protection for those with sensitive skin or facial hair who can become easily affected by insect bites.
Fly fishing mittens provide excellent protection from the elements while still giving you enough flexibility to quickly tie flies and cast without losing warmth. An ideal pair will be lightweight yet flexible with Velcro or latch holding systems to prevent them from flapping loose during your work session and becoming an obstruction.
Although this list does not cover everything necessary for fly fishing trips, it serves as a useful starting point to ensure you will be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way during an outing. Being properly attired will make the experience enjoyable and satisfying – good fishing!
