How to Keep Your Cool Summer Fly Fishing: Clothing, Timing and Other Tips on How to Stay Cool.

Summer is here, and it’s hot! But, just because it’s hot, it’s not going to stop you from fly fishing. 

Fly fishing in the heat has its challenges. Feeling hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable because of that scorching orange orb beating down on you all day. It can zap the energy and fun out right of the day.

But there are some ways to keep yourself cool even in the hottest temps, so you can still get out there with your fly rod and have a wonderful and comfortable day in the sun. 

• Wet wade. Want to stay cool in the river? Then ditch the waders and wet wade. Wet wading is wearing your wading boots with a lightweight pair of neoprene wading socks and a pair of lightweight pants, shorts, or skirt. 

  This allows you to ditch the non-breathable hot waders and trade them for cooler and lighter-weight materials. But, since you’re still wearing boots, you’ll have the same great grip and stability to keep you grounded and confident in the river.

• Get high! Find elevation. Take your adventures up in elevation and find a high-altitude lake or river. Depending on where you call home, this might not be possible. But if you live near mountains or hills, take a drive or a hike, and find a cool mountain stream to throw some bugs in. 

• Find shade. Fly fishing in 90-degree weather in the direct sun can take a toll and there’s nothing worse than heat exhaustion. So, find or create some shade. 

  Trees make for great natural shade, so practice your roll and bow and arrow casts. Or make your own. A full-brimmed hat, a ball cap, or even an umbrella on the boat or shore so you can have a few minutes to escape the sun.  

• Go early in the day when it’s cooler. There’s nothing like waking up before the sun’s up and hitting the road to beat the crowds, find the a.m. hatches and stay cool. So grab your coffee to go and fish at first light as the day is waking up and the sun hasn’t completely ignited the day.  

• Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water! 32oz every hour is recommended, I know it sounds like a lot, but it will keep you hydrated and cooler. And drink it frequently, instead of all at once. This maintains your hydration levels. And along with water, bring some electrolytes or sports drinks. This helps replace all the salt you’ve lost from sweating. 

• Wear UPF lightweight clothing. Lightweight clothing is key. Ditch the flannel and go for a UPF pullover hoody or a lightweight button-up shirt. I also recommend a neck up or bandana. This keeps your neck and head covered and protected from the sun. And dipping them in the water then putting them on feels so cool and refreshing! 

  Along with UPF clothing, don’t forget your basics, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and water.

• A cooler that keeps your food nice a cold. Invest in a high-end cooler like Yeti or my personal favorite RTIC, especially for those multi-days, that keeps your ice frozen and your food cold for longer. Or, if $200 is too much for a cooler (I get it!), then use something in your budget. Either way, here are a few tips to keep things cooler for longer.

  • Avoid opening and closing your cooler too much; keep the cold air in.

  • For multi-day trips, take a smaller separate cooler for day-to-day use, like your lunches and beverages. Then, have a separate cooler that you open less frequently for your breakfast and dinners. 

  • Buy block ice instead of cubed; it doesn’t melt as quickly. Or, if you buy cubed, keep it together in the bag. It will last longer.

  • Keep your cooler in the shade as much as you can.

  Take cold foods like pasta salad, fruit salad, cold sandwiches, cheese, smoked salmon, and several cold beverages. 

• Boat tricks. If you’re on a boat, store things correctly to keep them cooler. Put items that you want to stay cool in the shade or covered with a towel, like your cooler, water bottle, or delicious hoppy beverage.  

• Take a dip. When it’s 2pm and 95-degrees out, don’t you wish you could be near water and take a dip? Well, if you’re fly fishing, then you are. So, take 5 minutes and plunge yourself into a refreshingly cool river or lake. Knock off some of the sticky sweat, dirt, and heat and feel like a kid again and take a swim.

• Avoid fishing when it’s too hot. If it’s way too hot for you to be out fly fishing, then it’s probably way too hot for the fish. But, if the tug is the drug and you must get out, then check out these tips on Fly Fishing in the heat.