Hooked on Grayling - A Guide To Grayling Fishing
Did you know that the grayling is called the ‘Lady of the Stream’? With those distinct markings on the dorsal fin and a blush of golds, blues and pinks on their heads, it’s no wonder why grayling fish were coined this term. The grayling is a species of freshwater fish that are a particularly popular option for fly fishing during the autumn and winter period, when grayling are at their peak.
Grayling fishing really does come into its own and if you know what you’re looking for and where to look for it, you’ll be able to start enjoying the grayling season sooner rather than later. Whether you’re a regular fisher and missing your trout fishing or you haven’t tried fishing for grayling before, we’ve got the perfect infographic to guide you through the grayling fishing season and everything you need to know.
Grayling Fishing Season
Grayling fishing is the perfect way to extend your fly fishing beyond the trout season! The grayling spawning season begins and ends in spring while the trout’s season begins in late autumn and ends in early winter. Both these factors make grayling extremely popular for fly fishing during autumn and winter.
Similar to trout fishing but coming into its own, fishing for grayling is most successful when you opt for fishing spots with gravel bottoms, in the seam of two currents, in the foam line and just off and around weed beds.
The fishing of grayling is officially forbidden from the 15th of March to the 15th of June. This is because grayling spawn during the spring season and it’s a big no-no to disturb them during this time! It’s better you avoid this time and wait for the coming seasons for an easier catch!
How To Catch Grayling
Grayling mostly feed on shrimps, nymphs and caddis larvae. Longer lighter rods are the norm when fishing for grayling but beware as they can put in a strong fight when caught! They also tend to corkscrew when hooked as well. The longer lighter rods give you the ability to control the line better and are more comfortable to use during your fly fishing season.
When playing a grayling, keep the rod tip low as this keeps the grayling fish deep (where they’re happy). Play the fish until it’s upstream of you, then as the river brings the fish towards you, raise it in the water column and direct it into the net. Once a grayling fish is near the surface, it will start to thrash about. This is where most fish are lost and where you will need to be careful.
The infographic below, designed by Barbless Flies, outlines the best times of year for grayling fishing, where to find them, which flies to use and the leader setup, as well as some top tips. So what are you waiting for? Get your gear out and go fishing!
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