Grayling

The Lady of the Stream.

It is possible to fish throughout the year on the River Annan. Fishing in the depths of winter is an amazing experience. December through to March is the perfect time for grayling. Grayling fishing on the Annan has long been regarded as some of the best fishing in the UK.

It is entirely possible that we will have the entire beat to ourselves. Unfortunately it will not last as people are beginning to realise what a gem of a fishery the Annan is for Grayling.

Mr Bruce Hargrave from Germany with his first grayling and a beauty at 2lbs 5ozs.

Nigel Wilson from oxon on his first ever day at fly fishing. May 2009

Annan grayling average 2lbs and fish to almost 4lbs have been landed. Now no longer regarded as vermin they are seen as a challenging adversary and a means of keeping the D.I.Y at bay for another year.

In December the fish will be free rising and the Klinkhammer scores well as do olives and midges. A small (22) black gnat has worked very well in the past. Sizes tend to be smaller representing the size of the natural in the colder months. Even on really cold days the fish will rise.

For grayling fishing we offer both long trotting and tradition flyfishing with bugs, High Sticking, New Zealand dry fly and Czech nymphs. We maintain a good stock of flies tied by Keith who will tie salmon flies to order.

In winter the fish shoal and locating them requires a bit of searching but the walking keeps the chill air at bay. Streamy water just off the main flow is always worth a cast or two, as are quiet back eddies and what we call ‘oily water’. The faster water at the tail of the pool can be enlightening. Once found it is not unusual to land a dozen in a day. Great fun and superb sport on light line.

Larger fish tend not to be as free rising as their smaller cousins. When trying for the larger specimens we use heavily weighted nymphs or North Country spiders. Let us teach you the art of “high sticking”, “Czech nymphing” or “New Zealand” dry fly. This is challenging fishing which requires the reflexes of Superman, the patience of Job and a sense of humour. Don’t be put off. It is really good fun, just what fishing should be. Let us teach you how to cast five feet of fly line and ten feet of leader with two heavy flies attached.

We also offer the opportunity to long trot for grayling using Avon style rods and centre pin reels. This is a magical method of fishing for grayling when the fly is being ignored as sometime happens.

We will supply the maggots, sweet corn, bread etc and rods, reels and lines.

We operate a total C & R policy for grayling. They are far too beautiful to only catch once.

Can you think of a better way to spend a couple of days in the murky depths of December or January? Lose those Christmas blues with a cast or two.

Justin Mills with a 2lbs + grayling from the Annan. January 2009

Not to be outdone on the day, Justins lady with her first grayling on fly". January 2009

Darren Shaw's first grayling on fly July 2008

Grayling - One on a dry Olive
One on a dry Olive

Grayling - River Annan 2007

Stewart Lochrie - Grayling - River Annan - Feb 07
Stewart Lochrie - Grayling -
River Annan - Feb 07

Avoid the D.I.Y. call Keith on 01461 206750 or email here.

TACKLE FOR GRAYLING

A 9’-10’ #6/7 weight rod will be ideal as will a pair of neoprene chest waders. 6-8lb fluorocarbon and your box of rivers flies. We maintain a healthy stock of weighted flies and have neoprene chest waders for Clients to use.