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Grayling
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Grayling
'Lady of the stream'
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The graceful Grayling continues to gain popularity and respect among both
coarse and game anglers.
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Vital Statistics:
Scientific Name: Thymallus thymallus
Maximum Weight: 4lb
Average Weight: 7-10oz
Maximum Length: 16inches
Life Span: up to 6 years |
Grayling characteristics:
Grayling appear to be an enigma for anglers to classify. They possess an
aidpose fin, a characteristic of the salmon family, but they spawn at the
same time as coarse fish, and the grayling season corresponds to the coarse
fishing season. Most anglers, however, agree that they are a game fish.
Distinctively beautiful, grayling have silvery sides which are dappled with
irregular dark spots and mixed with a riot of purple, green and copper hues.
A noticable feature is the huge sail like dorsal fin, mottled with black
and red bars, which is raised at times of stress. A grayling hooked
downstream uses this fin to battle against the angler, often in a gryrating
or figure of eight motion, the erect fin increases the resistance in the
current as the angler draws the fish upstream.
They are extemely sensitive to pollution, disappearing long before trout or
chub. Only about half a dozen lakes hold Grayling. Grayling thrive in chalk
and limestone streams and rivers.
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Where to find Grayling:
Grayling thrive in chalk and limestone streams and rivers.
Feeding habits:
Grayling are well equipped for feeding off the bottom because their top lip
extends beyond their lower. Nymphs, caddis larvae, shrimps, midges and small
crustaceans are some of their main food items.
Grayling Baits:
Fly fisherman can represent many of their food items with dry or wet flies.
Maggots and worms are also very successful. The kind or worms required are
those found at the bottom of compost heaps - red worms and brandlings. Bread
crust will also catch grayling.
How to catch Grayling - Techniques at a glance:
Ledgering or float fishing are the best 'coarse' methods to catch grayling.
Fly fishing is also a recognised technique. |
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