Fall fly fishing can be some of the best of the year. But it’s not like showing up to the river in July. Mornings can be cold. Afternoons can be hot. And as soon as the sun dips behind a cloud or the horizon, conditions can change quickly. Don’t miss the opportunity to get out and enjoy the spectacular fall fishing. Gear up with a few essentials to make the most of it.
Lightweight Layering
When we asked Anglers All Travel Coordinator, Andrew Pulford about his fall fishing essentials, he said that an insulating vest is something he never leaves home without. When temperatures can change so drastically throughout the day, it’s important to have warm layers that can easily be stowed away when not needed.
An insulated vest is a great example of a piece that keeps your core warm, but doesn’t take up a lot of room in your pack. The Simms Fall Run Vest and the Orvis Women’s Pro Insulated Vest are a couple of our favorites.
On chilly days when a vest isn’t enough, turn to a lightweight insulated jacket like the Patagonia Tough Puff Hoody. It provides warmth when you need it, but packs away easily when you don’t.
Underneath your waders, it helps to have an appropriate base layer to keep you warm. From lightweight base layers to thermal pants, check out our selection of women’s and men’s layering pieces.
Waders and Wading Boots
Wet wading season is over. It’s time to slip into your waders and wading boots to comfortably fish on these crisp fall days. A good waterproof, breathable wader is essential this time of year – it will allow you to stay warm on chilly mornings and remain comfortable through the warm afternoons while standing in cold water.
If you have questions about waders or you’re not sure where to start, let us help. We carry waders and wading boots in a wide range of sizes and price points to help make sure you’re covered for any upcoming adventures. We’re a proud dealer of Simms, Patagonia and Orvis waders and boots. We can answer all of your questions about fitting and function.
Check out our selection of waders here. You can also see our wading boots in men’s and women’s sizes.
Head, Hands and Feet
When you plan your layering system for a day of fall fishing, don’t forget your extremities. Cold hands or toes can put a damper on an otherwise great day of fishing.
Anglers All Buyer, Rachel Therkildsen says that the Simms Foldover Mitts are one of her go-to items this time of year. They easily convert from mittens to gloves, keeping her hands warm on the hike in but still providing the dexterity of fingerless gloves.
In addition to keeping your fingers warm, wear a quality pair of insulating socks under your waders. Merino wool wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping your toes comfortable on chilly fall mornings. Among our favorites are the Simms Merino Wool Thermal Socks, available in Men’s and Women’s sizes.
Don’t forget that a warm beanie can make all the difference. The Simms Gore-Tex Infinium Wind Beanie is perfect for cutting a cold breeze and helping you stay warm on the water.
Backpacks and Gear Storage
When you’re carrying extra layers plus all the usual fishing gear, Anglers All crewmember Johnnie Trujillo recommends using a good sized, technical fishing backpack like the new Fishpond Firehole. Johnnie uses it to bring extra layers, fly boxes, and even a hot thermos on those extra crisp days.
The Firehole Backpack is compatible with Fishpond chest packs like the Thunderhead, Canyon Creek and Cross Current. One of these chest packs, paired with the backpack make the perfect solution for a full day of fishing in variable conditions.
Fly Rods and Reels
A great day of fall fishing might include meaty streamers, delicate dry flies, or anything in between. For that reason, Anglers All eCommerce Manager, Blake Katchur recommends rigging up two fly rods. Blake says that this time of year, it’s not uncommon to spend cool mornings throwing streamers, and then catching a late morning baetis or trico hatch. Having that dry fly rod rigged and ready will help you take advantage of those opportunities.
We’d be more than happy to talk you through some fly rod recommendations, whether that’s a six or seven-weight streamer rod, a light-line dry fly rod, or something versatile in between. Stop by the fly shop in Littleton or give us a call now at 303-794-1104.
Sunglasses
Fall conditions change fast, and all of the above pieces of gear will help you stay comfortable and therefore out longer. Longer days, sometimes mean more fish. But when those conditions change, so does the light. And if you cannot spot feeding fish, or see that big brown posted up at the end of that big run, you may spook them as opposed to getting a shot at them. Packing two pairs of sunglasses can make the difference.
General Manager, Jimmy Juliana finds that he wears his low light lenses more during the fall then any other time of year. These lenses offered by Costa, Smith and Bajio in yellow or rose colors help brighten your field of view while still cutting water glare when the sun dips behind that ridge line or that snow squall rolls in. Our full selection of sunglasses can be found on our sunglasses page.
Fall Fishing Reports and Advice
Need help getting ready for your next day on the water? Whether it’s questions about flies, rigging or anything else, don’t hesitate to ask. For the most up-to-date river reports on the South Platte, Colorado and Arkansas River basins, check out FlyCastUSA. If you’re in the Denver area, please stop by the fly shop in Littleton. Or give us a call at 303-794-1104.