I’ve been fishing for Grayling in Scotland since I was 18 and I can remember when I caught my first ever Grayling down on the River Tweed.
After a few trips without success, I managed to eventually catch one after applying some advice I was given on a fly fishing forum (they can be helpful places sometimes!).
I was fishing for Grayling in the summer using a duo set up. This is when we fish a dry and a nymph underneath – “Hopper Dropper” to our USA friends.
I tied on a klinkhammer and gold beaded hares ear. I was told to strike every time the klinkhammer disappeared and eventually I struck and it moved – I had hooked something.
Where the love began, my first ever Grayling and equally impressive hair style – blonde streaked mullet… Those were the days hey?
I landed the fish (which was easily over 2lb) and safely returned it before proceeding to catch another smaller one and calling it a day. That’s where the love began!
Grayling in Scotland With Guide
Over the years I have fished various rivers throughout Scotland, building up local knowledge on the rivers and refining my techniques.
Without blowing my own trumpet I’ve been lucky enough to land my fair share of genuine specimen Grayling along the way.
It was on the 1st of January 2015 I first beat my personal best with this horse of a Grayling caught on a red tag hares ear and measured at 48cm but look at the shoulders on this thing!
This was a personal best at the time…
I had caught and weighed Grayling up to 2lb 12oz and this was a bit longer but unbelievably fatter! Genuine 3lber? We will never know.
That’s only a number anyway, I just enjoyed catching the fish! Far too much emphasis in fishing these days is on pounds and ounces, just enjoy it!
Since then I have beaten it twice in what has been a special, special year for myself personally with Grayling of 3lb 4oz then 3lb 5oz.
Huge Grayling caught in rising river – the rule books aren’t gospel! Apologies for the background photoshop but fish like these are pretty special and we have to protect our marks and more importantly these fine fish.
It’s hard to believe this majestic looking species were considered a pest many years ago. Persecuted by anglers and ghillies worried they ate all the Salmon eggs.
Thankfully attitudes have changed and they are now a much sought after quarry in Scotland, particularly in winter.
Fly fish stunning Scottish rivers
Fishing for Grayling in Scotland all year round although we advocate to avoid fishing for them during spawning times for obvious reasons. We advise from late March through to June to allow them to recover.
The great thing about fishing for Grayling in Scotland is that even in the coldest depths of winter, driving sleet, heavy snow, rain and wind they will still feed when little else is willing to take a fly. I have caught them in temperatures as low as minus 17 degrees celsius!
Bugging for Grayling
Fish for Grayling in Scotland
Fishing for Grayling in Scotland is up there with some of the best quality sport we have in the country (in my opinion). We have a number of quality rivers such as: the River Annan. Earn, Clyde, Isla, Nith, Tay, Tummel, Tweed & Teviot.
All these rivers offer fantastic Grayling fishing with with healthy populations and specimen captures every season.
Young Jaco from Italy was a star! Three big grayling he had this day. Two over 3lbs!
Whether you are based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirlingshire, The Borders, St Andrews or Perth there is good Grayling fishing to be had within an hours drive – what are you waiting for?
If you’re interested in Guided Grayling Fishing in Scotland please get in touch now.
We provide full equipment, waders, permits, transport, guides, lunch and photographs from your day to keep as a souvenir.
New for 2015 is our Winter Grayling Fishing Packages with special offers available.