HOW TO fly fish FOR GRAYLING

Grayling fishing in Wales offers exceptional sport during the colder months, particularly when the trout season closes. While winter fly fishing might seem challenging, the right approach transforms it into a rewarding pursuit. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about targeting these elegant fish.

Grayling: the lady of the stream

Grayling represent a true game fish, earning their nickname “lady of the stream” through their graceful appearance. Their silvery scales and prominent dorsal fin make identification straightforward. Unlike other salmonids, grayling spawn in spring rather than winter, which means their fishing season runs from June 16th through March 15th. Remarkably, grayling feed actively even in the coldest temperatures, making them an ideal winter target.

Finding Grayling Waters

Grayling inhabit predominantly riverine environments, with only two documented lake populations in the UK: Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) in Wales and Gouthwaite Reservoir in Yorkshire.

Habitat Preferences

Both grayling and trout require cool, well-oxygenated water. However, while trout tolerate steep gradient streams with bedrock and boulders, grayling favor slightly gentler gradients that still provide fast-flowing water over gravel and sand substrates. If you have access to quality trout water, there’s a strong likelihood grayling are present.

Welsh River Recommendations

The following Welsh rivers produce excellent grayling fishing, with many accessible through the Wye and Usk passport scheme or local angling clubs offering day tickets from around £10:

River Dee

River Wye – Particularly the upper reaches, known for specimen fish

River Ithon

River Irfon

River Elan

River Taff

Catching Grayling: Techniques and Methods

Grayling respond to all traditional and contemporary fly fishing approaches, from classic upstream dry fly to modern European nymphing. Their underslung mouth design reveals evolutionary adaptation for bottom feeding, making nymph fishing particularly effective. That said, don’t discount dry fly opportunities—even in November, productive dry fly sessions are possible.

Dry Fly Fishing

The milder months of the season offer prime dry fly opportunities. A subtle temperature increase can trigger hatches and rising fish. Match the hatch by size and color, focusing on natural presentation.

Key techniques:

• 1. Approach from downstream
• 2. Cast at a 45-degree angle
• 3. Land your fly 1-2 meters ahead of the fish’s position
• 4. Achieve drag-free drift

Indicator Nymphing

For those new to river fishing or unfamiliar with European techniques, indicator nymphing provides an accessible starting point.

Setup: Foam fold-over indicators work well—they’re economical, adjustable, and stackable for additional buoyancy. The indicator functions like a float, signaling takes when pulled underwater, allowing you to detect subtle strikes and suspend heavy nymphs near the riverbed.

Depth Setting: Consider both water depth and current speed. As a starting point, set your indicator about one foot deeper than the actual water depth. For example, in three feet of water, set to four feet. This accounts for faster surface currents and ensures your nymphs reach feeding zones.

Fly Selection: Use a two-fly rig with contrasting patterns—one bright, one natural. Grayling’s inquisitive nature means they’ll investigate colorful offerings. Critical: keep your nymphs near the bottom. Unlike trout, grayling rarely move up in the water column, especially in near-freezing conditions when they become lethargic.

European Nymphing Techniques

European-style nymphing—whether called French, Czech, Polish, or Spanish—proves highly effective for grayling. These methods use minimal fly line, relying on fly weight to load the rod for short, lobbed presentations.

Czech Nymphing

This approach works particularly well in high or colored water conditions.

Setup: Rig a 9-12 foot leader with three droppers, optionally including an inline indicator or using your fly line’s braided loop as a visual indicator. Attach heavy Czech or Euro-style nymphs to each dropper.

Technique:

1. 1. Keep only 1-2 feet of fly line beyond the rod tip
2. 2. Lob the weighted flies into the current
3. 3. Track them with your rod tip just ahead of the drift
4. 4. Watch your indicator intently for any movement
5. 5. Follow the drift past your position
6. 6. Pause to let flies rise through the current—fish often strike as flies “escape”
7. 7. Step upstream between drifts, using current tension to load the rod

This method excels in faster water that conceals your presence. Don’t worry about spooking grayling—they tolerate wading anglers well, especially in swift currents.

Watercraft: Locating Grayling

Finding fish locations is half the challenge. Mobility pays dividends, though conditions provide valuable clues.

Prime Holding Areas

Pool Features: Swift current over gravel, pebbles, or sand. Gradual drop-offs and slack water pockets where fish conserve energy near food sources.

Fast Water: Riffles and broken water concentrating drifting food items.

Cold Weather: Fish bunch in deeper pools with swift flow or broken water at the head, transitioning to glides. Target areas where pace changes and depth increases.

Pool Tails: Where riverbeds shallow and current accelerates—consistent grayling hotspots.

High Water: Look for energy-conserving areas. Fast main flows push fish to margins. Focus on seams where slow and fast water meet.

Strategy

Cover water systematically. After catching a fish, identify similar features—grayling often prefer specific conditions on any given day. Remember: grayling are shoaling fish, so locating one often means others are nearby.

Essential Tackle

No specialist equipment required—stillwater tackle works fine when starting out.

Rod Recommendations

• Small Rivers: 7-8 foot, 3-4 weight
• Medium Rivers: 8.6-9 foot, 3-5 weight
• Large Rivers: 9-11 foot, 3-5 weight
• Nymphing Rods: 10-11 foot, 2-3 weight for modern techniques

While longer, lighter rods suit European nymphing, standard fly rods work perfectly well. Learning on a 9’6″ 6-weight before upgrading to an 11′ 3-weight is entirely viable. These are guidelines only—success comes from technique, not just equipment.

Final Thoughts

Grayling fishing offers rewarding winter sport when approached with knowledge and persistence. Their willingness to feed in cold conditions, combined with their beautiful appearance and spirited fight, makes them a deserving target. Whether you’re new to river fishing or an experienced angler looking for winter action, Welsh grayling waters provide exceptional opportunities throughout the season.