Species of UK Coarse Fish
Grayling
Freshwater fish anglers might come across when fishing the waters of the UK and Ireland
Fishing for Grayling baits and methods
GRAYLING (Thymallus thymallus) 4lb 3oz
1989 S R Lanigan, River Frome, Dorset
1989 S R Lanigan, River Frome, Dorset
Common name: Grayling
Latin name: Thymallus Thymallus
Family: Salmonidae - Salmonids
Latin name: Thymallus Thymallus
Family: Salmonidae - Salmonids
Description and Habitat of Grayling
Grayling, affectionately known as, 'the Lady of the Stream', are members of the salmon family and are considered by some anglers as coarse fish and by others as game fish.
With their huge dorsal fin Grayling are unmistakable from other fish. The Grayling is a streamlined fish with a small pointed head, silvery blue body with thin silver / violet stripes and irregular dark spots on the flanks.
Grayling are a shoaling fish very sensitive to pollution and are generally found in clean, fast flowing, well oxygenated freshwater streams and small rivers with gravel or chalk beds.
If a Grayling is found in a stream or river it is generally a good sign of the purity of the water.
The grayling feed on various natural foods such as freshwater larvae, worms, small water creatures, freshwater shrimp and fish eggs, plus of course the game and coarse anglers baits, artificial flies and maggots etc.
Fishing Methods for catching Grayling
Grayling can be caught all year but the best fishing is noted to be best on a clear, cold winters day, although any time from autumn through winter can be very productive.
Grayling feed mainly on the bottom but will feed from the surface when mayfly and nymphs are about.
Grayling can also be caught fly fishing and most are probably caught on the fly by fly fishermen fishing for trout or salmon. Not being a fly fisherman I cannot give advice on how to catch grayling on the fly.
Trotting is another method for catching grayling. See under Chub for trotting technique.
Using a light to medium rod with a fixed spool reel loaded with 4lb mainline and 3lb hook length, trot a small worm or 2 or 3 maggots on a size 16 barbless hook down the stream.
As grayling are predominantly bottom feeders, fishing with a feeder rod can also be effective. Using a light feeder rod with 4lb or 5lb main line, small blockend feeder loaded with maggots, 3lb hook length of 12 to 24 inches with 2 or 3 maggots on a size 16 barbless hook or a worm on a 14 barbless hook. the worm can be kept on the hook using a small piece of float rubber pushed onto the hook.
The bigger grayling seem to be caught on worms and a good fish is around a pound and 2 lb or over considered a specimen.
Fishing Baits for catching Grayling
Maggots and worms are considered the best baits for grayling and they will also take artificial flies.
Article Copyright 1990 J.Boswell
www.fish-uk.com All rights reserved
Grayling, affectionately known as, 'the Lady of the Stream', are members of the salmon family and are considered by some anglers as coarse fish and by others as game fish.
With their huge dorsal fin Grayling are unmistakable from other fish. The Grayling is a streamlined fish with a small pointed head, silvery blue body with thin silver / violet stripes and irregular dark spots on the flanks.
Grayling are a shoaling fish very sensitive to pollution and are generally found in clean, fast flowing, well oxygenated freshwater streams and small rivers with gravel or chalk beds.
If a Grayling is found in a stream or river it is generally a good sign of the purity of the water.
The grayling feed on various natural foods such as freshwater larvae, worms, small water creatures, freshwater shrimp and fish eggs, plus of course the game and coarse anglers baits, artificial flies and maggots etc.
Fishing Methods for catching Grayling
Grayling can be caught all year but the best fishing is noted to be best on a clear, cold winters day, although any time from autumn through winter can be very productive.
Grayling feed mainly on the bottom but will feed from the surface when mayfly and nymphs are about.
Grayling can also be caught fly fishing and most are probably caught on the fly by fly fishermen fishing for trout or salmon. Not being a fly fisherman I cannot give advice on how to catch grayling on the fly.
Trotting is another method for catching grayling. See under Chub for trotting technique.
Using a light to medium rod with a fixed spool reel loaded with 4lb mainline and 3lb hook length, trot a small worm or 2 or 3 maggots on a size 16 barbless hook down the stream.
As grayling are predominantly bottom feeders, fishing with a feeder rod can also be effective. Using a light feeder rod with 4lb or 5lb main line, small blockend feeder loaded with maggots, 3lb hook length of 12 to 24 inches with 2 or 3 maggots on a size 16 barbless hook or a worm on a 14 barbless hook. the worm can be kept on the hook using a small piece of float rubber pushed onto the hook.
The bigger grayling seem to be caught on worms and a good fish is around a pound and 2 lb or over considered a specimen.
Fishing Baits for catching Grayling
Maggots and worms are considered the best baits for grayling and they will also take artificial flies.
Article Copyright 1990 J.Boswell
www.fish-uk.com All rights reserved
www.Fish-uk.com
