Grayling (Thymallus thymallus)
Current record: 4lb 8oz
Water: River Frome, Ilsington near Puddletown
The grayling, a distinctive freshwater fish belonging to the salmon family Salmonidae, is known for its elegant appearance and widespread distribution in cold, clean rivers and streams across the Northern Hemisphere. The scientific name of the most well-known species is Thymallus thymallus. Grayling possess an elongated body with a characteristic sail-like dorsal fin adorned with colorful hues ranging from violet to blue and orange. Their scales shimmer in the light, adding to their allure and making them a sought-after species among anglers.
Typically found in fast-flowing, well-oxygenated waters, grayling are highly adaptable to a variety of environments, ranging from small mountain streams to larger rivers. They are known for their sensitivity to environmental changes, making them indicators of water quality. The presence of grayling in a water system is often a positive sign of a healthy and pristine aquatic ecosystem.
Grayling are primarily insectivorous, with a diet consisting of aquatic insects, larvae, and small invertebrates. Their feeding behavior involves rising to the surface to capture insects, making them a fascinating species to observe. Anglers appreciate the challenge of catching grayling, as they are known for their selective feeding habits and the need for precise fly presentations.
Conservation efforts for grayling focus on preserving their habitats, which include maintaining water quality and restoring riverine ecosystems. Habitat restoration projects often involve the removal of barriers to fish migration, allowing grayling to access suitable spawning and feeding grounds. Additionally, responsible angling practices, catch-and-release programs, and regulations on fishing seasons and methods contribute to the sustainable management of grayling populations.
The cultural and ecological significance of grayling makes them a subject of interest not only for anglers but also for scientists and conservationists. As a flagship species for healthy freshwater ecosystems, the conservation of grayling goes hand in hand with the preservation of diverse and thriving aquatic environments.
Graylings are referred to as the "lady of the stream." Anglers used to harass them in Europe due to the misconception that they prevented trout from colonising specific sections of rivers and streams. Although grayling and trout occupy comparable niches to smaller, less predatory trout, research has shown that they consume on distinct prey items and generally prefer different microhabitats within rivers and streams.
They can be caught throughout the coarse fishing season (16 June to 14 March) in England and Wales, offering spectacular fly fishing action when the trout season is over. Where they have been introduced, Scotland, there is no grayling closed season.