Spring is here, and while we’re starting to see some almost summer-like double-digit temperatures in the Lower Mainland, it’s easy to forget how quickly conditions can turn on the water. In the Interior and beyond we are still seeing below-freezing overnight temps, and a day on the water this time of year is anything but predictable.
Your day on the water change on a dime - sun and snow on the same day is 100% a thing!
We talk to a lot of anglers, both in the shop and online who fish across BC and beyond, and one thing comes up over and over: What do I actually need to stay dry and comfortable out there?
Here’s the reality: if your gear wets out and you get cold, your day is probably over. And no one wants to pack it in early when the fishing is good.
Below is a quick Q&A pulled from a roundtable with the Pacific Angler shop staff, covering the key conversations our team has with customers about outerwear and layering systems for spring and beyond.
Q1) How wet are you really going to get?
A1) If you’re fishing in coastal BC or the Pacific Northwest… pretty wet.
Fishing doesn’t stop when the weather turns. In fact, some of the best days happen in steady, all-day rain—not just quick passing showers. Your outerwear needs to perform from first cast to last light.
This is where the difference between water-resistant and waterproof really matters. For full days in BC conditions, “waterproof” needs to mean it. High-performance Gore-Tex or Toray fabrics are built to handle sustained rain while still breathing well enough to keep you comfortable. These are durable fabrics that will handle the weather for many seasons to come.
If you want something proven and dependable, the Grundens Portal Jacket is my go-to. It’s a feature-rich jacket that holds up season after season - I’ve been wearing one for a few years now and it’s been rock solid.
Another strong option is the Simms Guide Classic Jacket. It’s simple, tough as nails, and designed with anglers in mind - shorter cut for wading and plenty of storage.
If your fishing takes you somewhere warmer or more arid, you can get away with something lighter and more packable. The Simms Waypoints Jacket is a great travel piece—it packs down small and is perfect for light-duty rain protection when you don’t need a full storm shell.
Portal Guide Classic Waypoints
Q2) How do you prevent getting sweaty?
A2) Staying dry isn’t just about keeping rain out. It’s about managing moisture from the inside. If your layering system traps sweat, you’ll feel great while you’re moving… and then get cold fast the moment you stop. The goal is to move moisture away from your skin and let your outer layers do their job.
Start with a solid base layer. Something like the Simms Strata top and bottom is designed to wick moisture and regulate temperature, and it comes in different weights so you can customize depending on the season or your fishing destination.
From there, add a mid-layer that provides insulation without bulk. A piece like the Fall Run Hoody is incredibly versatile - it’s lightweight, warm, and easy to layer under a shell.
If that’s a bit too warm, the Simms Rogue Fleece is a shop favourite. It’s breathable, and provides both wind and cool-weather protection, so great choice when you’re active or in milder conditions. Another underrated option? A good heavy flannel. The Simms Coldweather Shacket is exactly what it sounds like - part shirt, part jacket. I don't always want a hood on my mid layer, so a classic warm flannel is a staple in my fishing gear. It’s just as useful around camp as it is on the water.
Fall Run Rogue Fleece Coldweather Shacket
And don’t forget the details:
- Hands: A glove like the Simms Foldover Mitt gives you the best of both worlds - dexterity when you need it, warmth when you don’t.
- Feet: Cold water is no joke in the spring. A merino OTC (over the calf) sock keeps your feet warm and dry. These are also antimicrobial, so they don't get too funky when you share the tent or cabin with your fishing buddies
Foldover Mitt Thermal OTC Sock
Q3) Can you actually move in your gear?
A3) This one gets overlooked all the time. Fishing isn’t static. You’re walking trails, climbing banks, launching boats, rowing, casting - sometimes all in the same day. Your layering system needs to move with you.
A good test? Put everything on - base, mid, outer - and move around. Bend, squat, reach, cast. If something feels restrictive in the shop, it’s going to feel a lot worse six hours into your day.
The goal is a system that:
- Keeps you warm without overheating
- Breathes as conditions change
- Minimizes bulk
- Lets you move freely
Because at the end of the day, if you’re comfortable, you’re going to fish longer. And that’s really what it’s all about.
These are just some of the conversations we have every day with anglers getting geared up for the season.
If you want to dial in your outerwear setup, stop by the shop, give us a call or drop us an email. We’re always happy to walk through options and help you build a system that works for how and where you fish.
Pacific Angler
78 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Or reach out anytime:
📞 604.872.2204
📧 info@pacificangler.ca
-Eric Peake
