What To Wear Fishing In Fall

We’re entering one of the most rewarding times of the year to be out fishing: fall. Summer’s intense heat is behind us in most states, the mornings are becoming cooler, and the water and fish are starting to behave differently as the season changes.

The challenge is that fall weather can be just as unpredictable as the fishing. Cold starts quickly give way to warmer afternoons, while wind and rain can arrive quickly, intensely, and without much warning. Understanding what to wear fishing in fall is crucial, particularly when you can’t escape the fact that you’ll be spending long periods of time exposed to the elements.

Dressing for fall fishing is all about staying comfortable as conditions change, from the first cast of the morning through to the final run back to the shore. We’ve outlined this in more detail in this guide. 

Why Layering Matters

It’s easy to assume that deciding what to wear fishing in fall is simply a case of throwing on a jacket and bibs. However, as the temperatures start to drop at this time of year, there’s a little more to consider. This is where the principles of layering come into play.

Layering gives you control over your comfort as the conditions change throughout the day. Rather than having one bulky outer layer that you’re hoping will keep you dry and insulate you all in one, layering spreads the load. A moisture-wicking base layer moves sweat away from your skin, an insulating mid-layer provides warmth when temperatures drop, and a waterproof outer layer protects you from wind and rain.

This combination of clothing is particularly useful in fall, when you might launch into a cold morning, warm up while actively casting, and then find yourself reaching for another layer once the sun has gone down.

Let’s break this down in more detail.

Start With A Moisture-Wicking Base Layer

A base layer is the foundation of any good fishing setup, taking on an important role in moisture management and temperature regulation. When there’s still some lingering warmth in the air at this time of year, your base layer becomes particularly useful as it ensures you don’t end up feeling sweaty and clammy underneath your other layers.

Because your other layers add insulation and protection, choosing the right fishing base layer for fall is all about opting for performance. A lightweight and breathable fishing shirt or performance t-shirt is your best bet. We’d especially recommend a long-sleeved base layer as this will provide useful coverage from the remaining sun while giving you a bit of extra coverage during cooler mornings.

The key is to avoid cotton as your primary base layer where possible, as cotton absorbs moisture and can leave you feeling damp when temperatures fall. 

Add Insulation As Temperatures Drop

If you’re regularly fishing through the colder parts of the season, it can be tempting to look straight for a warm fishing jacket or even a dedicated winter fishing jacket. While a well-insulated jacket has its place, building warmth through layers gives you considerably more flexibility. This is where the next part of what to wear fishing in fall, an insulating mid-layer, comes in. 

A good insulating layer traps warmth close to your body without making it difficult to move. This might be a trusted fleece or a more lightweight technical layer that sits comfortably under your outerwear. The key is knowing that you don’t necessarily need to start the day wearing your heaviest layer. Just be prepared to throw yours on during long periods of inactivity or cool morning launches.

Don’t Leave Home Without Waterproof Protection

That said, we’re definitely not advising that you go without a fishing jacket entirely. In fact, your outer layer is one of the most important parts of what to wear fishing in fall. 

Rain is one of the quickest ways to turn a comfortable fishing trip into an uncomfortable one, and this time of year can often throw some real curveballs when it comes to a changing and suddenly wet forecast. 

Your outer layer - a waterproof fishing jacket - should therefore provide reliable protection from rain and wind but still be breathable for active fishing. You need to be able to cast, reel and move around without feeling restricted, but not have to worry about water finding its way through dodgy seams or a hood that leaves you exposed. Crucially, this probably isn’t the time to dig out your most insulated fishing jacket, but rather opt for a good middle ground that’s lightweight, breathable, yet still completely waterproof. 

Choose The Right Bibs

Of course, your waterproof fishing jacket only protects the top half of your body. When deciding what to wear fishing in fall, you’ll also need to invest in a suitable pair of bibs, as the lower half of your body can be just as exposed.

Compared with a standard pair of waterproof trousers, bibs provide additional coverage across the torso. Pick a pair that gives you enough room to flexibly layer underneath and offers a waterproof rating of at least 15k for when you're submerged or subject to spray.

Protection For Your Hands, Head & Extremities

It’s easy to focus on your jacket and bibs and forget about the smaller pieces of clothing that can make a big difference to your comfort in changing seasons.

Year-round, you’ll need gloves to give you grip and protect your hands when casting, typing knots and handling tackle. In the early part of fall, your gloves can probably be pretty lightweight, while more insulated gloves become more useful as we border on winter.

Your head also deserves attention. Don’t be afraid to swap between a cap and a beanie throughout the day depending on what the sun’s doing. First thing, you might need the insulation of the latter, but when the afternoon sun peeks through, it’s the protection of a cap you’ll be calling upon. 

Which Fishing System Is Right For Fall?

So, what does all of this look like when you put it together? A base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof jacket, bibs and the right accessories are all individual components of what to wear fishing in fall, but it’s the way they work together that really matters. 

This brings us back to the principle of layering. Rather than relying on one garment to do everything, what to wear fishing in fall is all about building a setup that gives you the right combination of warmth, breathability and protection.

At Gill, our fishing clothing systems have been designed with this approach in mind, bringing together complementary garments that can be layered as part of a complete setup. However, not every system is designed for the same conditions, and when it comes to fall fishing, some are a more natural fit than others.

Aspect Fishing System

The Aspect Fishing System is the most natural fit for the transition into fall. When temperatures are cooler but you’re still dealing with milder, changeable conditions, the lightweight and breathable construction gives you the waterproof protection you need without adding unnecessary bulk.

Your mid and base layers, Infinity Lightweight Hoodie and Long Sleeve T-Shirt Base Layer, provide that crucial balance between insulation and breathability, while the Aspect 2.0 Waterproof Performance Jacket functions as a dependable and completely waterproof outer layer for when the elements get a little more demanding.

Meridian Fishing System

As fall progresses and conditions become colder, wetter and windier, the Meridian Fishing System might be a more suitable pick. This set of fishing clothing layers is designed for the days when the forecast is pretty clear and you know that you’re going to be exposed to the elements for a prolonged period of time. 

The Meridian Waterproof Fishing Jacket is 100% waterproof with added thermal protection to complement your chosen mid-layer, while the Meridian bibs build on things with rugged and insulated lower-body coverage. 

Whether the Meridian system is more suitable than the Aspect for fishing in fall will really depend on the forecast and the state you’re in. That said, it’s still a dynamic system that can be adapted depending on how active you’ll be.

Apex Fishing System

The Apex Fishing System is different. While it forms part of our same wider approach to layered fishing clothing, it isn’t really designed with fall conditions in mind. 

Instead, Apex is our most advanced technical rain gear, built for really severe weather and offshore conditions. It’s the system to consider when conditions are far more demanding, but probably not what to wear fishing in fall unless the forecast takes a turn for the more severe.