Stay Dry: The 4-Step Program

With a big storm blasting the West Coast right now, I figured it was a good time to revisit the secret to staying dry while fishing in a downpour….

So, there you are…on that dream fishing trip in some northern location like Alaska, Patagonia or Canada and the rain’s coming down in buckets. Pretty soon even your fancy new breathable rain gear is soaked all the way through and you’re getting wet down to the skin…and cold.

Nothing puts the kibosh on the fun like hypothermia!

The good news is there is a way to beat the dreaded “soak-through” scenario. It’s my 4-Step Stay Dry Program and it goes like this…

This isn’t rocket science, but the key is to layer…with the proper stuff. Here’s my normal set up for fishing in cold, wet conditions:

Base Layer

For undergarments, go with a moisture-wicking fabric. Many companies make good base layers. Try Under Armour’s Cold Gear.

Layer 2

Fleece…the coolest invention since the outboard jet…is the way to go here. A set of fleece pants and a pullover fleece sweatshirt makes up layer 2. You can even get fancy and go with wind shear or water-resistant models.

Layer 3 (the secret to success)

Okay, next layer — and the real key to staying dry — is a Frogg Toggs Classic Jacket rain coat. Most of the time, I’m wearing waders, so I don’t don the Frogg Toggs bibs all that often, but that’s a good way to go if you’re planning on staying out of the river. If you’ve never seen this stuff, it’s really cool. It’s waterproof and breathable but extremely light — the best way I can describe the material is it’s kinda like paper but it’s extremely tough. Wearing the basic jacket is like wearing a T-shirt and you hardly can tell it’s there.

Outer Layer

Finally, throw on your favorite Gore-Tex outer shell and you’re in business. I like a basic, non-insulated shell as opposed to a coat for weight and freedom of movement reasons.

Breathable rain gear like Gore-Tex and Frogg Toggs is so much better than the rubber stuff if you’re going to be moving around because it allows perspiration to escape. In other words, you’re not going to get clammy.

You’ll stay warm and dry all day long with this system because you have good insulation as your base layers and double outer layers that are waterproof and breathable.

Related Articles:

• The Deadliest Trout Bait
• Hodgman Lakestream Lite Wading Shoe
• Spring Steelhead on the American River
• Big Fred makes “big splash” at Okeechobee
• Always, always check the forecast before you go…