Introduction
When it comes to fishing in cold weather, I’ve learned the hard way that what you wear can make or break the experience. For me, nothing compares to wool—especially the Aran Crafts Curl Neck sweater and my Pendleton washable wool quarter zip. From ice fishing in remote northern Ontario to chasing stripers at Lake Texoma, and pond fishing in Kansas, wool has consistently kept me warm, comfortable, and ready to fish all day.
Ontario Ice Fishing at Nungesser Lake
In April 2024, my wife and I were invited by our friend Robbie Green, owner of Bob Green’s Fishing Camps, for an unforgettable ice fishing trip to his Nungesser Lake outpost in northern Ontario. This wasn’t your average guided trip—it was an adventure among friends. Robbie had gotten to know us over several summers at Mamakwash Lake, and trusted we could handle the challenges of such a remote, cold-weather excursion.
The journey began when Robbie picked us up in northern Minnesota and drove six hours to his home in Red Lake, Ontario. The next day, after gathering groceries and gear, we headed up Nungesser Road—a logging road deep into the bush. We met Robbie’s friend Richard, who had driven from Toronto that morning, and together we unloaded snow machines and sleds that Robbie’s son had stashed for us. We packed our gear into sleds, hooked them to the snow machines, and set off through a winding 15–20 minute trail before reaching the frozen expanse of Nungesser Lake.
From there, we rode across the ice to the off-grid cabin that would be home for the week. Soon after settling in, we began fishing using simple willow twig setups—lines in the water while we sat nearby, watching for bites. Days were often in the mid-40s Fahrenheit, but nights dropped below freezing. Between tending the wood stove, stepping outside to cook our catch, fill the generator, or make a trip to the outhouse, the cold was always close at hand.
Midway through the trip, our friend Mike Litwin arrived on his quad. One evening, his quad broke down on the ice after dark, and we had to tow it back to the cabin. Through it all, Robbie’s loyal dog Mila was by our side—sometimes even riding on the snow machine with me after a long day on the ice, though she eventually jumped off to bound through the crusty snow the rest of the way home.
Cold-Weather Fishing in Kansas and Texas
Not all my cold-weather fishing happens in the Canadian bush. In Kansas, I’ve fished plenty of brisk fall and spring days on farm ponds, where a strong wind can cut right through you if you’re not prepared. And at Lake Texoma in October, the striper bite is worth braving the chilly rain and constant boat spray. In both situations, my wool sweaters have kept me warm without feeling soggy or heavy, even after hours in damp conditions.
Why Wool Wins
The Pendleton and Aran Crafts sweaters, in particular, excel in cold, damp environments. Wool naturally resists moisture, so it takes longer to feel wet compared to cotton or synthetics. Even when damp, wool retains warmth and doesn’t sap heat from your body. Cotton, on the other hand, can become heavy, clingy, and cold when wet.
Wool is also naturally antimicrobial, which means it doesn’t need frequent washing. I usually wash my sweaters by hand with Woolite and lay them flat to dry, though I’ve also used a gentle machine cycle with reduced detergent and had no issues.
Final Thoughts
For me, wool sweaters aren’t just clothing—they’re essential gear. They’ve proven themselves in everything from sub-freezing nights in Ontario to chilly, wet days in Texas and Kansas. Whether I’m fishing, working around camp, or riding a snow machine across a frozen lake, I know I can count on them to keep me warm, comfortable, and ready for whatever comes next.