NOTES ON SAFETY & WINTER FISHING
Many of the rivers in Montana and many other places are open to year-round fishing. The angler who passes up the winter fishing opportunities is indeed missing out on what can be some of the finest fishing of the year. Rivers like the Madison, Big Horn, Yellowstone and the spring creeks of Paradise Valley offer the fly fisher some very fine angling opportunities. Because this is Montana and the weather is prone to change somewhat suddenly, the angler should consider a few things before taking off on a winter fishing excursion.
DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER
The angler who plans on doing a lot of winter fishing and who would like to survive should plan on dressing in layers. You can always take off a layer if you become too warm, but it's hard to put it on if its home in the closet. If you are dressed too lightly and get caught in a storm, you can suffer needlessly before getting under shelter. Remember to bring a warm hat and fishing gloves, and also a small hand towel for drying off your hands after handling a fish. I also carry a couple of the chemical type hand warmers as a backup.
Fishing alone at any time isn't a great idea, and in the winter even more so! But we often do. Therefore, in the hopes of keeping you safer I offer the following suggestions. Always wear a wader belt and, if you must fish alone, you should wear a personal flotation device. For sureness in wading, wear stream cleats or studded wading shoes. The cleats or studs grab the slippery rocks and help you remain upright. During the summer when the angler takes a spill, generally the most damage is done to the ego. But during the winter a spill can mean... Well, I'm sure you get the picture.
During the months of December, January, February and early March I don't venture too far afield from the vehicle and I don't float. Once you get in the boat you are committed. If something were to happen, like getting caught in a storm or taking a spill, you can find yourself in serious trouble!!! With all the angling opportunities that are available the angler can fish close to the vehicle, still have fun and be safe!!! From mid-March on I will start doing some floating, but this IS still Montana and we can still get some very nasty storms, so go prepared and make sure you check the weather forecast before planning a float.
Finally, I carry a little survival package in the back of my vest. These items are double bagged in Ziploc bags and take up very little space. My fishing survival kit contains: Waterproof matches, a BIC lighter, 2 chocolate bars, a space blanket, a section of folded newspaper, 2 pads of 00 fine steel wool and a small knife. With these items you can start a fire very quickly and that just might help you survive a spill in frigid waters or other circumstances which can develop.
Remember, fishing is supposed to be fun, not dangerous!!! If you are looking for adventure that has an element of danger try sky-diving or driving you car in New York City during rush hour.