Grayling is a small fish of the salmon family. A distinctive feature is the huge fin on the back. Grayling is one of the many favorite fish of float and fly fishermen. Fish meat contains little protein and fat, so it is considered dietary and has an excellent taste.
Grayling has an elongated and strong body, which helps it move quickly under water. The body is covered with tightly fitting and large scales. The scales have a multi-colored shiny color that gives off a greenish and sometimes even bluish tint.
Grayling loves cool, clean and fast water saturated with oxygen; it lives most often in mountain rivers and less often in plains. It is very rare to find it in ordinary lakes. It can also live in brackish water. He loves winding mountain rivers, where there are many holes and rapids, the bottom surface is stone or pebbles. Graylings live in deep holes only in winter; there is no point in looking for them there in summer. There should be a clean area of water near the parking area where it looks for prey.
Graylings feed in the morning and evening, when the sun's light is not so bright. Around this time, the fish swims at the surface of the water to search for insects. During the day, Grayling can be on the bottom in secluded places, under stones and near large snags.
Grayling flies are bait that imitates small insects, which are a favorite delicacy of fish and most inhabitants of fresh water bodies. You can expect the best results from fishing with this bait in late spring and early summer. When the fish experiences the so-called “Zhor”, at this time it bites on almost any food offered.
Types of flies for grayling
As with any other bait, there can be a huge variety of flies.
Types of flies for grayling:
- Heavy fly (wet).
This species is similar to small larvae that fall into a pond as winged insects. The structural features of the fly are a thin, elongated body with a tail, and there are also wings directed towards the sting. It is recommended to use a heavy fly when fly fishing. Fish such as grayling, asp, and salmon will not refuse such bait. - Dry flies.
These flies are considered universal among fishermen. This bait imitates invertebrate insects: a fly or a dragonfly. Such “insects” are made from bird feathers, which causes the bait to remain on the surface of the reservoir. - Streamers.
A very original and effective bait. The fly simulates the behavior of a wounded fish, which does not leave many predators unnoticed. The fly looks oblong, often the length of the body exceeds the length of the hook. They also try to make fins and a head in order to accurately recreate the silhouette of a small fish. For streamers, heavy weights made of tungsten steel are used. - Nymphs.
Such baits are similar to small pupae or larvae, that is, insects at the formation stage. You should select this fly based on the nature of the reservoir where you are going to fish, since this bait is very picky in this regard. - Emerger.
The bait is perfect for catching grayling. Such flies are similar to the transition of a larva into an adult, which is an excellent treat even for the most well-fed predator. - Fantasy flies.
Samples that do not have real prototypes. Most often they are made at the discretion of the fisherman. It is impossible to say exactly which fish baits will be more effective on; what matters is the place where you usually fish and the taste preferences of the desired prey.
Tackle for fishing grayling with flies
This fish is a desirable catch for any fisherman. Therefore, it is not surprising that such effective tackle as a fly is used to catch grayling. Catching fish with this bait leaves the opportunity to choose gear for almost any conditions or preferences of the fisherman.
Fly fishing
Sufficiently effective and simple gear. In most cases, it is recommended for beginners. The gear consists of: a rod, a fly, a reel and a cord.
For successful fishing, all you have to do is learn how to cast correctly and you can go hunting for grayling.
Spinning
The equipment used for spinning for grayling is unusual. For successful fishing you will need an inertia-free reel and a bombard for longer and more accurate casts. The use of a leash is also mandatory. A fishing line from 0.2 mm is suitable for it
Tackle "boat"
The boat tackle is one of the oldest ways of catching grayling. This type of tackle consists of non-sinking material (foam is most suitable), a rigid spinning rod and leashes of different diameters. The principle of such fishing is simple: a floating structure is floated downstream, leashes of different lengths are tied to the main fishing line, and the fly itself is attached to them. This method of fishing is very old and fascinating. It was used to catch trophy fish, and, as a rule, large fish are quite careful.
"Pull"
“Peretyag” is another ancient, but at the same time working method of catching grayling and other types of fish that feed at the surface of the reservoir. For this gear you will need two fishermen on different banks. Here, as in the case of the boat, leashes with flies are attached to the main fishing line, but instead of the boat, a second angler will serve. He will fish out the caught trophy, and another person will play off the fishing line. This is the fishing method our great-grandfathers used.
Front sight and spinning rod
Ballerina Sinker
The key point when selecting tackle using flies is the selection of the sinker. Considering that its main task during the hunt will be to move along the surface of the bottom, the optimal option for a weighting material is a spherical or pear-shaped shape. If fishing is planned in an area with a strong current, then choose a heavy sinker, and to catch prey in calm water, choose a light one. The shape and weight of the sinker directly depend on the specific fishing conditions.
For information! A “ballerina” sinker, made of wire material, with an eyelet at the end, is good because it reduces the likelihood of snagging.
Spinning equipment:
- Rod . The length of the fishing tool is 3-3.5 m, the action is medium. For fishing in overgrown areas of the reservoir, it will be important to use a light spinning rod 1.5 m long, and for fishing hard-to-reach places - a soft rod with a light weight.
- Reel _ The model used must be from a trusted manufacturer and equipped with a smooth handle.
- Hooks . For fly fishing, it is more rational to use a double hook; it is more reliable, unlike a tee, from which the prey can easily get off (shake off). Another advantage of this choice is less snagging in dense vegetation.
- Main line . When catching fish with a fly, it is good to use monofilament or braid. If you use a braided thread, the sensitivity of the gear increases. And in the case of monofilament fishing line, the artificial insect begins a more active and interesting game.
- Float . A plastic version in the shape of a teardrop will be most successful here, where its narrow part goes to the fly, and the thick part goes to the rod. But devices that are spherical or thick in the center are quite appropriate.
- Leash. The length of the leash is adjusted depending on the type of bait used; it can be 1.5-2.5 m. The material used is monofilament, conical undergrowth.
There are two ways to assemble the gear:
- The leash is mounted first, and the sinker second. This option is effective when working on a flat bottom surface.
- The sinker is fixed first, and then the fishing line and leash. This is an excellent piece of gear for fishing from the coastal zone.
Options for rigs for spinning rods with a float
Assemble the rig as follows:
- Attach a “ballerina” to the thread wound on the spool.
- Attach 2-3 leashes up to 5 cm , or 1 long one. It is best to use short leashes that prevent tangling of the line during fly fishing.
If the sinker will be fixed at the end, then mount it on a thread of smaller diameter than the main one. This approach will prevent the fly from breaking off when hooked. When catching predators or other fish in the upper and middle layers, it is more advisable to use floats rather than sinkers. They are mounted both in front of the float and behind it.
Depending on the fishing conditions, the technique is also selected.
Fishing techniques on rivers (on the current)
The cast is made upstream, when the sinker is at the bottom, you need to select the line until it bends slightly.
The work of the load is carried out due to the force of the water flow; the main thing is to control its approach to the coastline and the watercraft. Artificial baits, moving with the current, do not frighten potential prey and make it want to attack it. When moving the fly with the current, the work occurs on the surface. Casting should be done perpendicular to the coastal zone. There is no need to choose a fishing line here; the flow of water will carry it out on its own. The bait should be started when the sinker, having reached the rod, is directed towards the coastline. The main thing is that the fly should remain in the upper layer and periodically appear on the surface. This behavior of the bait almost immediately attracts the attention of potential prey.
For information! Casting bait on a river should be done at an angle of 45 degrees, while keeping the line above the surface.
Fishing in still water
Wiring on lakes and ponds is carried out by yourself. Being on the shore at an angle to the water flow, the bait is cast obliquely. To attract fish, the artificial insect must be frozen for some time, after which it must be gently shaken with the tip of the spinning rod. If there is no bite with the left hand, stretches are made through the index finger on the right. To avoid discomfort when fishing, you must choose a promising place on the site without excessive vegetation.
How to tie a fly on grayling
There are many ways to tie a fly for grayling to the main fishing line, the only thing is which one the angler himself knows best. One of the most common units for installation is the “Clinch”. It is often used to tie ordinary hooks.
In order to tie a fly using a Clinch knot, you need to do the following steps:
- we take the bait in our hand, so that the eye of the hook is in the finger and the sting is looking down;
- we thread the main line from top to bottom and cross it as with a normal knot;
- then with the formed end we make 5-6 turns around the main line;
- thread the end into the loop formed and tighten.
Thus, we get a strong and reliable connection. If during installation a part of the bait moves, you should move it away and then return it to its place; the quality of fishing will not change.
Tackle
Grayling is caught with fly fishing gear, which usually includes a bit, reel, line and bait, but it is quite possible to use other gear.
- Widely known fly fishing , which requires special gear and the ability to cast bait correctly and accurately.
- Semi-fly fishing . This is gear designed for retrieving and consists of a spinning rod, an inertial reel that has smooth operation and a heavy float of the “Sbirullino” type. With the help of such a float you can make long casts. For the main fishing line, a fishing line with a diameter of 0.25-0.3 mm is selected, and the leashes are made from fishing line with a diameter of 0.18-0.2 mm.
- Ship or “sleigh”, “torpedo”, “kite”: these are the popular names for this tackle. The basis of such gear is light, floating material. You can find both single-hull and double-hull versions of the boat. To control the tackle, you need a rigid spinning rod equipped with an inertial reel on which a fishing line with a diameter of 0.3-0.4 mm is wound. Leashes must be of different lengths so that the flies are on the plane of the water.
- Constriction . You can also recognize the name of this gear as “baler”. To control the bottom gear, two fishermen are needed, who must be on opposite banks at the time of fishing. In the hands of each fisherman is a spinning rod connected by a common fishing line, 0.2-0.3 mm thick, on which there are up to three leashes, about 1 meter long. In this case, one fisherman catches the fish, and the other fishes out the fishing line: the fishermen must agree on this in advance.
How to catch grayling with a fly
Catching grayling with a fly is not an easy task, but at the same time very exciting. A fisherman should carefully approach the choice of gear and fishing technique, and it is also very important to have a sufficient arsenal of bait with him. Therefore, as with any predator, you should experiment with flies. As you go through the different options, you will definitely come across the one that the fish prefers the most.
The most suitable time for fishing for grayling is warm spring, when the fish begins to actively feed at the surface of the reservoir. It is important not to miss this moment, since in the summer there will be enough insects near the water, which will reduce the demand for a fly for catching grayling. Also, starting from the end of August and up to October, the fish will actively peck at the bait in the form of an insect.
The most catchy flies for grayling
For more successful fishing, this list presents the most catchy flies for grayling.
Parachute Adams
One of the most effective flies. The first ones began to produce it in America. There is no connection to any particular insect, this is just a fantastic fly. But her game and appearance do not leave the fish indifferent. Parachute Adams is made from rooster goatee, but a homemade version can also be made. Detailed instructions can be found on the Internet.
Superpupa
Refers to the dry type of flies. Excellent for catching grayling. Many novice fishermen do not often turn their attention to Superpupa because of its inconspicuous appearance at first glance. But this fly gained its popularity due to the fact that fishing with it is carried out throughout the entire grayling fishing season.
Hydropsyche Nymph
This fly can be classified as the most realistic fly. It is highly effective in catching trophy grayling. Hydropsyche Nymph can be used either with the flow or with the rolling nymph method. It is not easy to knit it at home, but it is quite possible. In the store, such a fly can be found from 70 rubles.
March Brown
March Brown is a very catchy fly, belonging to the “wet” class. It has become widespread in the UK. Its shape resembles a mayfly. May occur in variations similar to caddisflies. The front sight has been used from 1916 to the present. The only change in this bait was the replacement of silk with Lurex. More catchable in the spring.
Loop Wing Emerger
The Loop Wing Emerger fly simulates small and large midge or mayfly larvae. It is used most often on the surface, but with special skills you can also fish in the water column.
Jassid
A small-sized fly, used to simulate various beetles, flies and small midges. She was first mentioned in his book by Vincent Mariner. About this fly you can confidently say “If you don’t get a bite, use Jassid!”
Red Ant
The Red Ant is a very effective fly in the summer. When fishing with this bait, you should always reel in the line, since grayling can accompany the “prey” almost all the way to the angler.
Deer Hair Caddis
Classic dry fly. Shows itself perfectly in all seasons. Models an adult caddisfly and is very active in the water. Made from thin and oval lurex. Hook sizes 16-17-18 work well for Deer Hair Caddis. Quite difficult to make at home.
Mini Leech
Mini Leech fly imitating leeches, small fish, shrimp. It is worth noting that when creating such a fly, you should not leave a short tail. With a more elongated body, the performance of the bait will be simply amazing, which will definitely attract grayling.
Buck Caddis
The last catchy fly in this article. This bait performs well in trout fishing, but grayling will not stand aside either. Another advantage worth noting is the rigid structure of the fly, so it does not deform after bites. Buck Caddis imitates an adult caddis fly, so consider this when choosing a hook for this fly. To create such bait, it is recommended to use thick fur, as it is quite dense and easily frays.
So, how to make a fly yourself?
First, you need to purchase the necessary equipment in the store, without which it will be quite problematic to do anything.
Firstly, this is the so-called vice or hook clamp. Of course, you can do without it, but from my experience I can assure you that this thing is simply necessary because when making a fly without it, you simply don’t know where to stick this “nasty” hook, which it becomes after five minutes of unsuccessful attempts At least wrap something around it. And I’m simply silent about the neatness and beauty of the product.
Tips for fisherman: Fishing for grayling in Siberia in winter - Let's take it step by step
Also useful would be a device for the mounting (main) thread and a pen holder. That's all I actually purchased in the store. Another thing you need to purchase is feathers (peacock, rooster). When selecting a feather, you need to pay attention to the beard - it should be short and thick enough
. The rest is improvised materials that everyone can find.
I glue the threads with colorless nail polish; I make the body of the fly from different threads (floss, yarn, threads from aged items). You need to experiment with materials and not be afraid of failures.
I took out a bunch of old floss and wound some kind of insect with red thread, pulled out a feather from the pillow (it turned out to be brown) and made something like legs. My wife laughed at my craft
