WINTER FLY FISHING FOR CHALK STREAM GRAYLING FISHING

Fly fishing for grayling is very much the same as for trout in the chalkstreams. Most of the time the grayling are targeted with nymphs. Nymphs are the imitation of fly when they are at the underwater stage of their life circle. Because fly hatches occur less often in the colder months this is a good method. Long leaders and heavy nymphs are used to get down to the bottom quickly in the rivers winter flow. Dry fly can also be very effective when a hatch comes on the river. 

Flies:

 Flashy Nymphs: size 12/14/16 Beaded Pink Shrimps, PTN, Copper Hares Ear, Pink or Red Tag,  colour and flash is good.

Dry Fly: Parachute Adams, Tups Indispensable, Sherry Spinners, Klink Hammer, BWO. 

Longer rods are often used when fishing for grayling. This is useful for working the fly under the rod for a better feel when fishing faster water, the length of the rod helps control the fly.

A 10ft 3wt is my preferred outfit for grayling fishing the chalkstreams.

Indicators and Euro leaders can be used to detect the fish taking in the stronger currents if they can't be witnessed by eye. These are known as strike indicators and are very useful.

The average grayling is around 2lbs or smaller on the chalkstreams with some being caught around 4 1/2lbs. They are a great, hard fighting fish and brilliant sport, which bring keen fisherman travelling all around the world to target them.