The sport of fly fishing exposes you to various risks outdoors. These include rods, lures, nets, hooks, teeth, traps, and so much more. Even with slight mishandling, these things can hurt your hands. Reeling in hefty fish without the best fly fishing gloves is also prone to damage your skin because of the use of sharp hooks.Â
Besides that, when the weather gets cold, that is also when you need the best fly fishing gloves to keep your hands warm. There are various types of gloves designed for different purposes that anglers can use. Make sure you opt for the right one according to your fishing needs.Â
In our experience, the KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves are the best fly fishing gloves and worked like a charm. Not only do these incredible gloves protect from damage to the hands, but they also keep the fingers warm in cold weather.Â
We have reviewed some of the best gloves for fly fishing that will suit almost every need of an angler. Let’s learn about it.

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5 Best Fly Fishing Gloves
1. KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves – Best Fly Fishing Winter GlovesÂ
KastKing is not only known to manufacture some-end reels but other fishing gear too. These mountain mist fishing gloves are designed for great versatility and functionality. For example, anglers can use these to protect their skin from damage while fishing as well as to keep their hands warm in cold conditions.Â
What makes these gloves unique is the blend of features from different brands into this one. That said, the KastKing is an all-around exceptional option. These are designed in a way that we were able to change the hooks, lures, and baits without removing the glove.Â
The palm side of the glove is made with neoprene and microfiber, making it absolutely warm. For the back lining, fleece material is used to make the gloves waterproof. We easily used these in fresh and saltwater.Â
Another unique feature of these fishing mittens that we all loved is the finger and thumb permit. Our anglers were unable to feel the sensitivity with gloves on. However, after uncovering the tips when casting, this issue was resolved.Â
Pros
- Works on smartphone screens without exposing the fingers
- Finger permits for dexterityÂ
- Soft and warm on the inside
Cons
- Only the back side is waterproof
Verdict
All in all, the KastKing mountain mists are the best fly fishing gloves for a firm grip, insulation, and protection of your hands.
2. Booms Fishing FG2 Fishing Gloves – Best Fingerless Fishing Gloves
Do you love fishing in the summer and need the best fish handling gloves? Booms has something special for you. It has the best fly fishing loves in a fingerless style to provide you with the most amazing dexterity and exposure with the reel and rod.Â
In our experience, we were delighted to experience the durable yet soft material of these gloves. With these on, there was no issue in the operability and we could change baits, lures, tie knots, and above all, feel the thumbs and nibs.Â
Some highlight features of Booms FG2 gloves are their UPF 50+ sun protection, breathability, and quick drying ability. These ensure that the angler doesn’t get sunburned on a humid day and enjoys fishing without sweating. Even if the glove gets wet, it dries out in no time while you’re fishing.Â
Forget the hassle of removing the gloves by grabbing a pinch and pulling them out. Wearing or taking off these gloves is incredibly convenient, thanks to the pull tab on the fingertip and wrist on both sides.Â
Pros
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Lightweight and breathableÂ
- Suitable for hiking, bike riding, hunting, etc.
Cons
- Not warmÂ
Verdict
These are indeed the best fly fishing gloves by Booms designed to provide protection against sun damage and maintain high operability.Â
3. Simms SolarFlex Fishing Gloves – Best Simms Fly Fishing Gloves
Another amazing choice to protect your hands from sun damage, the Simms SolarFlex gloves feature UPF 50. The plush fabric used is stretchable that can snugly fit all hands. Moreover, the extended buttoned cuffs provide complete coverage.Â
For better protection, the index and middle fingers are extended with only tips exposed. Whereas, the rest two fingers will be half open. Because of this, the gloves offer tremendous dexterity. We could use our smartphones, tie knots, and change lures, lines, and baits without any issues.Â
What makes this product unique from other choices is its open-palm feature. When you hold the rod, you can feel the action without removing the gloves. While this opening can also allow water to seep through the glove, making your palm wet. This is when the quick-dry feature needs to work in full go.
Similar to the Booms FG2 gloves, these are also light in weight and highly breathable. That said, our anglers tried them on humid as well as rainy days. Needless to say, the breathability is impeccable and the quick-dry feature works efficiently too.Â
Pros
- The gloves only let 1/50th of UV rays pass throughÂ
- Moisture wickingÂ
- Uncompromised dexterityÂ
Cons
- The open-palm feature can moist the hand
Verdict
Overall, the Simms SolarFlex fishing gloves are ideal for fishing enthusiasts who love spending time on the water no matter how warm it is.Â
4. Orvis Softshell Fishing Mitts – Best Convertible Fly Fishing Gloves
Orvis makes the best cold weather fly fishing gloves with convertibility that enables anglers to expose their fingers while casting. Fingers are prone to numbing on colder days but, with these Orvis fishing gloves, it won’t be an issue anymore as you can simply wear the softshell mittens to cover the fingers.Â
For durability, comfort, and warmth, the manufacturers have used a water-resistant grid fleece for the backing. Whereas, the palm is made out of three-layer AX Suede synthetic leather. Speaking of the mitten cover, it features a softshell with abrasion-resistant properties.Â
Wearing these gloves made our hands feel warm, energetic, and more youthful. Being the priciest ones on our list today, these also include UPF protection and block 95% of UV rays to reach the skin.Â
Featuring a decent length, these gloves covered a good part of our wrists. Fortunately, Orvis has designed this product in various sizes which make fittings a lot more convenient. Despite a hefty price, these gloves compromise on the waterproofing ability.Â
Pros
- Convertible from fingerless to full gloves
- Abrasion-resistantÂ
- Comfortable and warm
Cons
- Not waterproof
- ExpensiveÂ
Verdict
Offering a superb balance of agility and warmth, these are surely the best winter fly fishing gloves by Orvis.Â
5. Simms Headwaters Gloves – Best Water-Resistant Fly Fishing Gloves
No one likes a wet glove when fishing and this one from Simms offers the best dryness. Made out of fleece material with a highly efficient water-resistant property, these come as the best fly fishing gloves.Â
These have mittens like the Orvis softshell gloves but you cannot take them off entirely and only fold them over. This converts a mitten into fingerless gloves in no time. While tackling some medium to large-sized species, we got water splashes. However, the water-repellent fleece kept our hands dry throughout and prevented moisture from penetrating inside.Â
That said, these can also be your favorite steelhead gloves. To feel the fish movement and nibs, our anglers exposed the fingers by folding the mitten over. Instant conversion is extremely convenient and saves time.Â
A few more interesting features of these gloves include a compatibility pocket for a heat pack. This comes in handy when the weather is extremely cold and you wish to prevent your fingers from numbness.Â
Pros
- Uncompromised dexterityÂ
- Wind-resistantÂ
- High-stretch fleece ensures warmthÂ
Cons
- Cannot use the smartphone with fingers covered
Verdict
Simms never disappoints with its high-end fishing gear and this product is no exception. Simms Headwaters are surely the best fly fishing gloves one could have.Â
Buying Guide
Be it for protecting your hands from damage or keeping them warm in winter, the following are some important factors to consider. Make sure to check all of the following if you wish to purchase the best fly fishing gloves.
1. Full vs. Fingerless Gloves
Based on the type of fishing and weather conditions, the best fly fishing gloves come in two types.Â
Full Gloves
As the name suggests, these gloves cover the entire hand of the wearer so that no part is exposed. It not only keeps the hands warm but also protects your whole hand. The only downside of full gloves is that you might lose the sense of touch a bit, especially when it comes to feeling the slight nimbleness and movement of the fish.Â
Some full-finger gloves come with finger permits that uncover the finger. Such gloves provide warmth along with a sense of touch. The KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves are an ideal example of such gloves.
Fingerless Gloves
These on the other hand cover half fingers only to enable the anglers to enjoy the rod’s sensitivity. Some fingerless gloves come with thermal properties to prevent the hand from turning into ice.
Since these gloves don’t give the best insulation, anglers who fish on warmer days or need to feel the sensitivity of the rod prefer these. Also, fingerless gloves are a lot lighter in weight than the full gloves.Â
We found the Booms Fishing FG2 Fishing Gloves as the most amazing fingerless gloves. These come with sun protection and quick-drying features.Â
2. Material And Durability
There are multiple materials that manufacturers use to make fishing gloves. Since these are not a cheap investment, the gloves must ensure durability no matter what the environmental conditions are.Â
Different materials are used in making for different purposes. The three common types areÂ
- Polyester and cotton: These make the most reliable backing for coated gloves.
- Neoprene: This is the ideal material for making warm fishing gloves because of its high thermal resistance.
- Rubber: While these don’t prevent cold but are extremely durable, thanks to their ripping resistance.Â
3. InsulationÂ
Cramps due to cold while reeling in fish could be the worst nightmare for any angler. If you are a frequent angler who goes out fly fishing no matter how cold it is, look for appropriately insulated gloves. Efficient insulation will also keep your hands dry and warm even if the glove gets wet. Â
4. Waterproof
When wading in the water, your hands will lose warmth when wet. The right set of waterproof gloves can help your hands stay warm and dry no matter how cold the water is. With a waterproof glove, you can easily sink your hands in water to release the fish. Also, check out our complete review on Simms freestone waders which you can choose for a waterproof fishing experience.
5. Grip
As an angler, you can never compromise on the grip of your gear when fishing. A good pair of gloves offering a firm grip is extremely essential. Gripping the rod and reel becomes difficult when your hands are icy cold or the gloves are too chunky.Â
Bare hands provide the best grip which you wouldn’t want to change even with the gloves on. Considering that, companies manufacture fishing gloves with close attention to the grip. Rubber gloves work best in this case but won’t provide warmth,
As a midway solution, manufacturers use rubber backing or patterns on the palm area to enhance the grip.Â
6. Mobility/Dexterity
The ability to bend your fingers shouldn’t impact when gloves are on. If you wish to cast effortlessly without any inconvenience, choose gloves that come with pre-bent fingers. The key to having the right glove is not excessively thick but provides decent comfort and protection.Â
FAQs
Q. Are fingerless gloves better than full gloves?
As mentioned earlier, both types are designed for different purposes. If you fish on cold days and want to stay warm, full gloves will allow you the best comfort. Whereas, on warmer days, you can use fingerless gloves and enjoy fish movement and nimbleness.Â
Q. Do I need to clean my fishing gloves?
Yes, gloves get a stinky fish smell as you fish using them. Washing them off after every use is very important to experience clean and small-free fishing. You can use any hand soap to scrub them, rinse them with clean water, and leave to dry.Â
Conclusion
You wouldn’t encounter any difficulty when finding the best fly fishing gloves as long as you keep the important factors in mind. Look for the right material and properties that match your fishing style.Â
After lots of research and testing, we found KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves the most capable option. Regardless of your expertise and fishing technique, this one has all the qualities that every angler looks for.Â