Top 10 Winter Grayling Flies
Read Time: 5 Minutes | Published: 12th December 2023 | Author: Fulling MillGrayling readily feed through the winter months, so it’s a lot of fun to fish for them even in the coldest of weather. Like any other fish their metabolism will reduce as the temps drop significantly. However, all you need is a little mid day sun to warm up the water temperature a bit and get them on the feed. As a rule of thumb in the winter, if you hook one there are probably several others close by. This is because grayling tend to shoal up together in deeper depressions and pools in the winter months. On the right day you can find them feeding on the surface, but most days we expect to catch them on nymphs. If you’re thinking of going this winter, we’ve laid out our top 10 winter grayling flies to help set you up for success.
1. CDC Pheasant Tail Jig Metalic Pink
You can never go wrong with a pheasant tail nymph for just about any trout or grayling application. However, the metallic pink tungsten bead on this one takes it to the next level. Pink can be a real trigger for grayling, so this fly is essential to have in your box.
2. Red Tag Pinky Jig
Remember what we just said about pink? Grayling go mad for it! Whether it’s due to its resemblance to shrimp or its UV properties, it just gets eaten. This pattern is no exception. The Red Tag Pinky Jig combines the metallic pink bead with a bright tag. Not only that, but the added Tactical Microflash Dub collar and red rib really make this fly pop. This is a great fly to try when the fish really need to be motivated to eat.
3. Orange Tag Silver Jig
A bit more subtle than the previous two options, this winter grayling nymph is still a great attractor pattern. Some days grayling don’t want the brightest stuff, which is where this fly comes in. The silver bead, orange tag and peacock tactical microflash body give it a subtle flash, but enough to draw attention. If the brighter flies are putting them off, try this one out.
4. Roza’s French Fly Barbless
Luboš Roza has won just about everything there is to win in fly fishing. Many of his competitions have been in grayling water, and he’s a master at catching them. As such, it’s no surprise that this fly is an essential in our fly box. It’s loaded with triggers and is a great option for days when grayling are taking darker flies.
5. Croston’s Cased Caddis Jig Back
This fly is designed to get down deep, fast. An excellent anchor fly for deep pools, this pattern is extremely useful when you need to anchor your cast for fish that won’t come up in the water column. Plus, it’s a great cased caddis imitation that gets eaten readily.
Check out this other piece on our blog: How to Fly Fish For Grayling in Scotland.
Patrick Tillard image.
6. Squirminator Hot Head Jig
Love them or loath them, the Squirmy works. As it’s bright, it draws attention and can pull fish from a great distance.
7. Two Tone Squirminator
The two tone squirmy adds even more movement than the original. Some days that can make a huge difference as it looks even more natural in the water.
8. Jardine Pink Shrimp
You simply cannot go grayling fishing without at least one shrimp imitation. Shrimp are abundant in many grayling rivers, and are an essential food source. This is one of our particular favorites as it has a subtle sparkle to it due to the Tactical Microflash Dub body.
9. Jenkins’ Blob Tail Olive Nymph
Kieron Jenkins is another master grayling angler. This pattern is a great subtle mayfly imitation for the days when the fish are on edge and not taking flashier flies. Subtle and realistic, it looks just like a natural bug.
10. Chewing Gum Cased Caddis Chartreuse
Another great anchor fly option, the Chewing Gum Cased Caddis will help you get down in deep pools. The chartreuse hot spot acts as a great trigger, and the feel of the Chewy Worm Chenille for the body makes it feel natural to the fish when they take it.
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