How to layer for fall weather fishing

As the temperatures drop, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch fish. Salmon, stripers and walleye are just some of the species you can catch while braving the changing weather in fall. 

Some fall species, like salmon and steelhead, require hours of casting, while standing in chilled waters just for the hope of one hook set. Species like these require proper clothing and layering so you can spend more time fishing and less time shivering and needing to warm up.

Below we will go over some of our favorite cold weather gear for fishing well into the fall, along with some tips on which fabrics to avoid and how to layer properly. 

Base Layers

The layers closest to your skin may be the most important layer as they act as your first line of heat capture. The issue with this layer is your material. If you are going to be covering a lot of water during the day, or if the morning starts out frigid, but the temperature is expected to rise significantly (as is the case in many fall days) you’re going to have to factor in sweat. 

Sweat soaked base layers can leave you cold for the entire day. Wool and synthetic fibers will still keep you warm even if they receive moisture. Cotton should be avoided at all costs in these situations as it soaks in moisture and loses any ability to retain warmth.

Fishbrain’s Choice: DSG Outdoors ​​Merino Wool Base Layer Pant

Our favorite base layer is wool, but all wools aren’t created equal. Merino is thinner and softer than most other wool and makes a superb base layer. YOur grandfather’s wool was itchy and uncomfortable, but got the job done. Now you can have your cake and eat it too with some of the most comfortable fibers to keep you warm on the water. Check out the Fishbrain store for the absolute best in temperature control and moisture wicking. 

Mid Layers

If you’re donning waders, there may be little room for a mid bottoms layer, especially if your waders are neoprene. Many anglers prefer the comfort and fit of jeans while out otherwise. It's hard to argue with this, if the weather is stable and you’re not at risk of getting sopping wet. 

If you are at all worried about the weather, or have room in a pair of breathable waders, fleece is a great option for a warm mid layer. 

Fleece will keep you warm in wind, rain and snow, like wool, but fits like a pair of sweatpants, or a sweatshirt and not a tight and binding layer like the wool baselayer.

Fishbrain’s Choice: BBD MIDWEIGHT FLEECE PANT BLACK

Fleece pants are comfortable and these midweight pants will be just as comfortable if you are wearing them out on the boat, or under your waders in the middle of the river. Check these out on the Fishbrain Store for the perfect mixture of comfort, maneuverability and warmth this fall.

Outer Layer

Your outer layer is a shield, protecting you from whatever the fall weather can throw at you. In northern states, it's not unheard of to be hit with wind, rain and snow all in the same day. Your outer layer needs to be up to this challenge. If the weather forecast looks like it can turn (and it often can at any time in the fall) you will want it to be waterproof.

You also need to choose whether you want a waterproof outer layer with insulation, or not. Insulation comes with its own set of choices between synthetic and down.

Down will keep you warm, but if it ever gets wet it loses the ability to keep you warm. Synthetic insulation will keep you warm even after that surprise October squall soaked you and your buddies.

Fishbrain’s Choice: Craze 4.0 Jacket

The crazy jacket is the perfect mix of weatherproof and warm. Venting zips on the side allow you to regulate your temperature and make the jacket a perfect choice to wear from early fall all the way through ice fishing in winter.

Headwear

Our mother always told us that we lose close to 75% of our body heat through our heads. That number is grossly overstated, but managing heat loss on our heads is still very important. If the weather is going to be warm and sunny a brimmed hat can be your best bet to help shade your eyes from the sun. On cold days, do yourself a favor and throw a beanie on to keep your ears and head warm.

Fishbrain’s Choice: DSG Outerwear Knit Beanie/Fishbrain Retro Trucker Hat - Camo

Can you go fishing without a hat? Yes, but are you really fishing then? Make sure and get a hat with your favorite fishing app  on it with the Fishbrain camo snapback trucker hat.

For the cold days check out an early Black Friday deal on DSG beanies in all of your favorite colors.

Cold weather is no reason to stay inside this fall. Layer up properly and hit the water for some of the most exceptional opportunities offered all year. When the weather does finally turn, make sure and throw on that extra layer and strengthen your resolve to land the fish of a lifetime. Afterall there’s no such thing as bad weather, just soft anglers.