River Master - Grayling - Part 2

Welcome to the second part in our Grayling series. This week we are taking a look at grayling fishing in Autumn and Winter and pulling out the highlights and a few interesting facts which you may (or may not) already know.

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 in the Autumn, fishing for grayling is most successful when you opt for fishing spots with gravel (or light silty) bottoms, in the seam of two currents, in the foam line and just off and around weed beds.

Fishing for grayling is out of season from the 15th of March to the 15th of June, this is because grayling spawn during the spring season.

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 session.

Grayling Stocks

The Environment Agency in the UK rears Grayling to allow rivers to be restocked after pollution incidents, or just to give nature a helping hand where required.

Winter Grayling

During the Winter (and usually after the first frosts appear), the Grayling shoal up and it's a case of finding the fish! But when you do find them, stay where you are. When shoaled up Grayling are very tolerant where the angler is concerned, and don't spook easily. I've even had grayling taking scuds/shrimps from my wading boots whilst in the water!