The leaves are changing, and the temps are dropping…. Fall is here! For anglers who don’t hang up their gear after Labor Day this means two things. Mornings are chilly, and afternoons tend to be hot. Fall fishing conditions can change as quickly as the moving clouds. Check out our Gearing Up For Fall: Tips & Tricks below to gear up right so you don’t miss a single second of epic fall fishing action.
Wet Wading Season Is Over:
Sadly, it’s true, no matter how much we want to deny it. Wet wading season has come and gone. It’s time to dust off your trusty waders for these crisp fall days. Before you head out make sure to check that your waders are in good working order and are free of any leaks, rips, or tears. If small repairs are needed, consider the easy-to-use Simms Lodge Repair Kit to get you patched up and back out on the water. A good pair of waders and wading boots are essential this time of year. They will allow you to stay warm on frosty fall mornings by retaining body warmth while standing in cold water.
We carry a vast array of waders and boots from industry leading brands such as Simms and Orvis for both Women and Men. If you need help selecting the correct pair of waders for you; please give us a call, send us an email, or use our handy live chat feature to connect with our expert staff.
Layering Up Right:
Under those waders that we mentioned above, it is ideal to have an appropriate, moisture wicking, layering system. Along with a good base layer top and bottom, a solid insulated vest or puffy jacket are always good to have on hand as well given the up and down nature of the weather this time of year.
Fishwest Kamas Manager, Brooke Harris, says that the Simms ExStream Bi-Comp Hoody is a must for time on the water in the fall season given the fact that it is extremely warm and packable meaning it can be stowed easily at a moment’s notice. The Simms Exstream Bi-Comp is also available for Men.
To keep your fingers warm, toasty and in prime knot tying condition for even the smallest of tippets check out a solid pair of gloves like Orvis PRO Insulated Mitten. They easily convert from a mitten to a fingerless glove, keeping you on the water fishing all day long.
To cart around all these layers, flies, hydration, and snacks; Fishwest crewmember and chef extraordinaire, Jon Norgren, recommends an aptly sized backpack like the Fishpond Wind River Roll Top. The Wind River is constructed with a tough and durable waterproof DWR cycle pond fabric ensuring all the gear that you bring along during the day stays nice and dry.
All your warmth preparations mentioned above will be for nothing if you do not also account for cold hands, feet and maybe most importantly, your head. Start off by giving your toes a little bit of toasty love with a quality pair of insulated, moisture wicking socks for primo under-wader wear. A team favorite here at Fishwest is the bomber Simms Merino Wool OTC Thermal Sock.
Top it all off with a warm beanie or insulated hat like the Simms Dockwear Insulated Beanie to ensure that all your hard-earned warmth stays with you during the day of fishing.
Rods & Reels:
If you haven’t already figured it out, variability is the name of the game, and this applies to tackle choices as well. During the cold mornings, you will find the best success throwing a nymph or streamer rig. As the day warms up, river conditions may yield a solid Baetis or Midge hatch. With that in mind, rigging two rods will give you the best shot at finding success during this time of year.
We would be happy to chat with you and make some recommendations based on local conditions and have a fantastic, curated, selection of rods from manufacturers like Winston, Thomas & Thomas, G-Loomis, Sage, Orvis, and more. Stop by the shop or connect with our team by calling us at 435.783.6791
Wherever you find yourself wetting a line this fall, we sincerely hope that you have a wonderful time and wish you the best of luck! If you ever need any advice or want to share some stories and photos give us a shout at support@fishwest.com. Or, stop by our HQ in Kamas, Utah on your next trip through!
