Some of the best fishing of the year occurs during the fall and early winter months. Depending on where you live in the Midwest, some excellent open water fishing opportunities will extend into December. In fact, there can be outstanding walleye fishing in some rivers year round.

One factor you must keep in mind if you want to get in on this action is weather. It can be warm into December: In fact, this fall has been quite warm. But, you must dress for the weather, and you should take warm clothing along even if the forecast is for warm weather. If you’re cold, you’re just not going to enjoy your day on the water no matter how well the fish are biting. Here are some things I do to keep warm when I’m in the boat this time of year.

Layering your clothing is the way to go if you’re going to be outside. Starting now and going through the rest of the season, start with a layer of underwear that will wick moisture away from your body. Moisture is what really makes us cold. If you overdress, or have the heat on too high in the truck on the way to the boat ramp, you could create a little sweat. Then when you get in the boat and on the water, that sweat will make you cold. By wicking the sweat away from your body, you’re going to stay much warmer.

Cotton under-garments are not the answer: They trap the moisture and keep you cold. The best underwear I’ve found is the Polartec or MTP that Cabela’s has. This stuff comes in several different weights, is very comfortable, and keeps moisture away from your skin. These are the best products for that first layer of clothing.

Next I like a hooded sweatshirt. I prefer the hooded sweatshirts because, to me, it’s a lot more comfortable to pull the hood up over my neck if it’s chilly or windy.

On many autumn and early winter days, a light or medium weight jacket goes on over the sweatshirt. This is all that’s usually necessary this time of year. Jackets with a fleece outer shell have become very popular. They provide warmth, but are light weight, and they’re so comfortable to the touch.

When it gets cold and you need something heavier, you can’t beat one of the Outfitters fleece parkas from Cabela’s. These are fantastic cold weather coats. They’re warm but light, and they feel so good to wear. The only time you might want to go with something different is if it’s raining, and when it’s cold enough for the Outfitter, it’s generally not going to rain, it will be snowing.

I greatly prefer parka length to waist length if warmth is a consideration. The parka length covers more body, and is much more comfortable for sitting in a boat seat. With waist length jackets, every now and then you get some exposed skin, and, when it’s cold outside, that exposed skin isn’t very comfortable.

There are some great fishing opportunities available right now, and you’ll enjoy them much more if you’re dressed properly.

For more fish-catching information, visit fishingthemidwest.com