Species · Fly · Thymallus thymallus
Grayling
The Lady of the Stream. Grayling offer superb sport from October through to March when trout seasons are closed, making them the winter fly fisher's saviour. Their sail-like dorsal fin and thymallus scent are unmistakable.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Rivers, chalk streams, clear gravel-bottomed watercourses |
| Best time | Midday in winter |
| Category | Wild |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Nymph fishing, Dry fly, Czech nymphing
- Baits and flies: Nymphs, Dry Flies, Emergers
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 14-18. Barbless nymph hooks. Grub/Czech nymph hooks (curved) and lightweight dry fly hooks |
| Mainline | WF4-5. Weight Forward floating. Light fly line for delicate presentation on rivers |
| Hooklength | 2-4lb tippet. 9-15ft. Fine fluorocarbon tippet (5X-7X) - grayling have excellent eyesight |
| Shotting | Tungsten bead head nymphs. Euro nymphing uses weighted flies only, no split shot. |
| Field notes | Grayling shoal in winter - find one and there will be more in the same run; Czech/Euro nymphing is the most effective technique for grayling; They feed in cold water when trout have stopped - prime season is Nov-Feb; Small, heavy nymphs bounced along the riverbed are the key tactic; A big sail-like dorsal fin means grayling fight hard across the current; Midday is often best in winter - grayling feed when the sun warms the water slightly |
Fish welfare
Warm water is hard on grayling. The app warns from 19°C and tells you to consider not targeting them at 21°C.
Grayling struggle in warm, low-oxygen water. Target them in cooler periods or consider not targeting when water exceeds 20°C.
More fly species
Free tier, no card. Pro is £14.99 a year after a 7-day trial.