Autumn offers a series of distinct challenges to the angler that are specific to the season. Streams and rivers are typically lower and clearer than they are throughout most of the summer. Hatches have tapered off. Leaves blanket the water. Water temperatures change. Sun angles shift. All of these differences and more add up to the angler being faced with a different puzzle, one that requires a change in approach in order to have continued success.

Though there are certainly more ways than what follows via which the fly fisherman can adapt to changing autumn conditions, here are five helpful tips to increase your chances of a good day on the water.

Interestingly enough, my first pair of waders made for women were Simms Headwaters Stockingfoot waders. They were well made and comfortable, and my fly fishing girlfriends had the same ones. However, they -- like all women’s waders at the time -- suffered from fit issues. Those Headwaters waders had what we called, “umpire knees” because of the significant excess room in the knee.

When I was asked to review the much newer Simms G3 Guide Waders for women, I was wondering they too would arrive with “umpire knees.” Happily, when the Simms G3 Guide Waders arrived, the knee area looked a lot more fitted than my Simms waders of yesteryear.