Low Water Grayling Rig
Heading out to catch some grayling this winter? We know choosing the right flies can be tricky! That's why we've got tips from Phillippa Hake on her favourite grayling rig for clear waters. And there's more to come! Keep an eye out for part 2, where Phillippa will guide you through her setup for higher water conditions.
Clear Water Rig
When it comes to grayling fishing in the UK, anglers can often be left frustrated especially through the winter months due to the weather we have endured the last couple of years! However, should us anglers be lucky and arrive at the river and find it at a nice, clear running and fishable level. I’ve put together a couple of set ups I tend to go with when out on my grayling adventures.
First up. When out using nymphing techniques, I tend to opt for a 10ft 3wt rod. The advantage of longer and lighter rods are so beneficial when using nymphing methods. The ability to reach that little bit further and also feel every bump and take on the way!
Reel & Line
I have a matching 3/4wt reel for my rod. Now when it comes to “euro nymphing” I tend to not use any fly line. I use a specific Euro Nymph Tapered leader which usually come in different colours from pink, yellow to camo. At the end of that I attach an indicator. Here there is yet more choice, a braided looped indicator which are great for beginners. Or you can use Indicator Mono and get really technical and make your own!
Tippet Choices
At the business end of the leader, It’s time to get some flies on! From the indicator I tend to have around 5ft or so of Fluorocarbon to my first fly on the dropper, below that around 18 inches will be my point fly. This may vary when it comes to knowing the river you’re planning on fishing, if I know how deep the deepest pool I’m going to fish that day, that’s the length of tippet ill use to the first fly. From there I can shorten down should I need too.
Fly Picks
In good conditions where the river is running pretty clear, I often find that more drab and natural patterns work best. My choices would be some sort of shrimp pattern like below which i would place on the dropper. Below that I would have some sort of beaded jig nymph, often keeping it really simple with a good old Pheasant Tail Nymph.
