| When I started fishing for winter Steelhead, over | | | | choice. Do not forget about a good stocking cap too |
| forty years ago, and being much younger then, a | | | | if it is not raining but you find the wind, blowing you |
| jacket and a good pair of boots was all and I was | | | | just cannot beat the comfort and warmth of a good |
| ready. As the old saying goes with age comes | | | | stocking cap. A dry head is a warm head and since |
| wisdom and I guess this must be true. I have been | | | | you, loose a majority of your body's heat through |
| steelhead fishing when my hands and feet were so | | | | your head a warm head means a warm body. |
| cold that you could not fish and often wondered if it | | | | 4. Underclothing. |
| was even worth the pain just for a chance to hook | | | | There are all kinds of things out there now. You can |
| a steelhead. | | | | use anything designed to keep the moisture out and |
| I have since learned that dressing correctly will not | | | | the heat in. Over that, I usually wear something of |
| only improve your fishing success it will make the | | | | wool, or some other type of material that will shed |
| experience so much more enjoyable. If you fish for | | | | water. Remember to dress in layers and the number |
| steelhead, you are eventually going to find yourself | | | | of layers all depends on how warm or cold-blooded |
| fishing under some of Mother Nature's worst | | | | you are. Some people like 3-4 layers, while others |
| conditions. While many angler will retreat to the | | | | just 1 or 2. You can often find some great deals at |
| comfort of there warm cozy recliner when the | | | | your local REI or Sporting goods store for these |
| weather turns cold and nasty. They are missing some | | | | items. |
| of the best steelhead fishing as we have found that | | | | 5. Gloves |
| the worst the weather the better the steelhead | | | | You are going to need to keep your hand warm as |
| fishing. | | | | well, a thin warm pair of gloves that slip on and off |
| I tell you my friends, there is nothing like the comfort | | | | quickly are what I prefer some of my partners like |
| of being warm. You are going to find yourself | | | | the fingerless gloves as well. Try not to get gloves |
| steelheading when the temperature is in the 30's with | | | | that are thick and bulky though as they make it |
| rain, snow, and sleet. Moreover, yes, you may very | | | | extremely hard to fish in. If you really need the |
| well have all three during the same fishing trip. You | | | | added thickness to keep your hands warm then go |
| will be glad you have the appropriate gear to keep | | | | ahead and use them, it is better to have warm hand |
| you warm. Being able to keep warm will make | | | | and adjust your fishing techniques then to risk the |
| steelhead fishing enjoyable instead of a test to prove | | | | chance of frostbite, or just have your fingers so cold |
| just how cold you can get and still fish. | | | | that they do not want to work right. |
| Here is my suggested checklist when for winter | | | | 6. Insulated Coveralls |
| steelhead fishing. | | | | I have recently started using insulated coveralls and I |
| 1. Waterproof Boots | | | | must say that I do enjoy them. If you were thinking |
| A good pair of waterproof boots is necessary; I do | | | | about coveralls, I would recommend that you find |
| not care how careful you are eventually you find | | | | some with the zippers that come up the full length of |
| yourself stepping in the river. Even if you manage to | | | | both legs they are much easier to put on and off |
| stay out of the river fishing when the rain and snow | | | | without having to take off you boots. That way you |
| is coming down, your feet are going to get wet just | | | | can take them with you and if you need them once |
| walking down to the river once your feet are wet | | | | you arrive at the river you can just slip them on. |
| and cold you will be cold the rest of the day. | | | | 7. Get yourself a dry bag. |
| 2. Rain coat. | | | | You will not regret having an extra set of clothes for |
| Another must have item. The raincoat really comes | | | | emergencies. You never know when you will slip on a |
| down to your own comfort. The bottom line here is | | | | rock, or get plain soaked due to heavy weather. Just |
| you want something to keep you dry in a driving rain | | | | Keep your dry bag in the truck or boat and it will be |
| or snowstorm. | | | | ready should you ever need it. |
| 3. Your hat. | | | | Now that you have the clothes to keep you warm |
| I like a hat with a wide brim to keep the rain off | | | | and dry we will start talking about Steelhead Rods |
| your ears and from running down your neck. A good, | | | | and Reels which one you need and which ones are |
| quality oilskin hat that will keep your head dry and | | | | just nice to have. |
| shed the rain away from your neck is my preferred | | | | |