What to Wear While Fly Fishing in the Fall

Whenever the stress and strain of our working lives gets too much, whenever we tire of spending our days under fluorescent lights and hear the call of the wild, whenever we yearn for quiet and solitude in an increasingly hectic and interconnected world… fly fishing really is the hobby that keeps on giving. It provides us with calm and solitude. It releases our senses from a world of screens and digital chatter and allows us the opportunity to spend some quality time with mother nature. Whether you choose to eat what you catch or throw it back, fly fishing is a great way to leave the stress of modern living behind and reconnect with yourself or strengthen your relationship with friends and family.

But as the colder weather sets in, you may think that it’s time to hang up your rods. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Can I really carry on fly fishing in the fall?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s arguably the best time to do it. The natural world is at its most beautiful in the fall months. Approaching a river shrouded in mist surrounded by trees adorned with red and golden leaves? What could be a more idyllic way to spend a lazy October morning?

Of course, as the weather grows colder and wetter, you’ll need to make sure you’re well prepared for whatever the weather brings.

Dress in layers

The fall weather can be unpredictable. A gray and murky morning can become brilliantly bright and sunny by lunch time. Likewise, a bright and sunny fall day can turn into a dark and drizzly evening. So be sure to dress in layers which you can take off or put on accordingly. Start out with one of our stunning Drift Hook Fly Fishing t-shirts and a pair of jeans or shorts and layer up with…

Waders and boots

Your waders are essential in keeping your legs warm and dry in those frosty fall waters. Many experienced fly fishers don’t always wear these, especially in summer. But given how cold waters can get at this time of year it’s always a good idea to pack them.

Make sure you also pack reliable wading boots to keep your feet warm and help you to get traction underwater. A good wader belt is also recommended to secure your waders and prevent water from getting into them.

Fishing vest

A fishing vest can not only help to keep you warm, it’s also a very useful place to keep everything you need for a relaxing day by the water. It can store things like your wallet, glasses and car keys as well as clips for bigger items like water bottles. It can help to keep your belongings near and is a good alternative to a bag or backpack which can affect your balance.

And don’t forget your sunglasses!

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that your eyes don’t need to be protected from the sun’s rays.

Check our range of fly-fishing apparel

We carry a wide selection of apparel for men and women to ensure that they get the most out of their fly-fishing experience. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our store page!

About the Author

Matthew Bernhardt, a third-generation Coloradan, grew up at the forefront of the state’s fly-fishing revolution, enjoying time on the water side by side with experienced guides and lifelong anglers.

By combining his passion for fly-fishing with input from other experienced fly-fishers and guides and his fine arts degree from Colorado State University, Matthew spent five years carefully developing the Drifthook Fly Fishing System, built to help every angler catch more trout.

When he’s not spending time with his wonderful family, you’ll find him out on the water catching MONSTER trout, and he anxiously looks forward to the day when his kids are old enough to join him there.