Hazzards of winter fishing

[admin]

There are several hazards when fishing in the winter, most notably falling in the steam in zero degree weather in a remote area, but there are a few others that a fishermen need to heed.

Avoid Sweating: Dress in layers, so that you can add or remove clothing. Breaking out in a sweat after a long walk will cause a chill when your body cools down. Breathable clothing that lets the moisture out is worth the investment. I do not recommend sweat pants or sweat shirts for winter fishing. They are great to help keep you warm if they remain dry, but if they get wet there is no drying them out and wet clothes will lead to a very cold body.

Extra Clothing: I always take extra winter clothing and keep it in the truck or in a water proof bag if we are floating. The items include: A Large beach towel, Long underware, heavy socks, extra gloves, heavy sweat pants and a heavy hooded sweat shirt, along with an insulated pair of gore-tex wind pants and an insulated gore-tex wind jacket. It doesn't matter if I am fishing at Bennett Spring or on a remote float trip I always take my emergency clothes. I have yet to use them, but there is comfort knowing that they are available.

Emergency items: I carry a cigarette lighter, for a stream side fire to warm my hands and body, a pocket knife which can be used for several things, including to help create tender for the fire, especially on wet days. Toilet paper for the obvious, but it also can be used as tender, and a cell phone, which I only use for emergencies. I never make calls nor do I receive calls when I am fishing. I prefer to remove myself from that world when I am on the stream. I have a small first aid kit, mostly for small cuts, or hook removal.

Notice the danger signs: If you are having a hard time concentrating, or tying a fly on because your shivering, OR if you cannot feel the end of your fingers it is time to take a break, get out of the water and warm up. No fish is worth hypothermia.

High Water: Winter brings lots of moisture and high water. I carry a wading staff in my truck when I am fishing high water. Actually it is just a stick I found on the stream that a beaver had cut. A staff can get in the way sometimes, but it is a valuable tool when the water is high and the CFS has increased above normal levels. Remember to cross at the bottom of the pool and not the head of the pool.

Buddy: There are two situations when I fish, that I prefer to have a friend along. One is at night and the other is during the winter. Both situations can be very dangerous if an accidental dunking occurs. Yes I have fished many nights alone and many winter days alone, but I always feel more comfortably when I have a buddy, just in case.

Be Aware of TRAPS: In a story I shared on my website I tried to make fishermen aware of FUR TRAPS in the winter. What in the world does trapping have to do with fishing? Nothing I guess as long as you don't step in trap. But how many fishermen realize, or even think about traps set along the river during the winter months for beaver, otters, mink or muskrats. I know I don't think about it until I see those makers along the bank. I took a couple of pictures of a trap line just so fishermen will realize what the bright red markers are for. I wouldn't bother walking over to investigate if I was you. You never know where the trap is set. Sometimes they are on the bank and sometimes they are out away from the bank in the water. I suggest that you keep a wide berth, the trapper doesn't need your scent around his trap and beside "your hide won't fetch much on the market", as they say in the Ozarks.

Winter fishing is usually quite, and usually slow, but it is a special time when large fish can be caught if you are in the right place at the right time and you have patience.

"A bad day fishing is still a great day"