The 2024-2025 season has been an epic one for grayling, with some truly memorable captures gracing the bank. We can’t recall many years that have produced so many fish, let alone such a high number of specimens surpassing the 3lb mark. And with some of the season still left, now is the time to get out there if you’re after a big grayling!
One angler who is no stranger to landing big grayling is Dan Bouskila, who after securing a superb brace last year, has now banked yet another giant—this time a stunning 3lb 2oz specimen caught on the fly.
"Arrived at the chalk stream around 7:30 am after an almost four-hour drive, and the weather conditions looked good—overcast, gloomy, and milder than it had been," Dan told us.
"The river, however, was at least a couple of feet higher than usual, making it impossible to present a fly effectively in some swims," he added.
"This forced me to search for slacks and slower waters where I thought the fish might move to escape the stronger currents."
"In the coloured water, I prefer a worm imitation with an SSG shot pinched above it to help it sink and bounce along the bottom," he explained.
FLOAT FISHING IS ALSO A GREAT METHOD FOR GRAYLING ASDAN EXPLAINS HERE...
After walking the banks for an hour, fishing a few promising spots, Dan had only managed to catch a couple of small trout. But as his fly dropped into a nearside crease, a gentle pluck saw him hook a much bigger fish—right beneath his feet.
"As the water was more coloured than usual, I couldn’t see what it was and assumed it must be a trout. The fish burrowed towards the faster water, forcing me to wade out—well up to my waist!"
"The fight was intense, but I managed to turn the fish by submerging the rod and pulling it back upstream, trying not to give an inch."
"The gamble paid off, and a beautiful dark grayling turned just beneath the surface before surrendering to my net."
"The fish weighed 3lb 2oz and is one of the most magnificent grayling I have ever caught—I almost didn't want to release it," Dan said.
IF YOU AREN'T CONFIDENT FLY FISHING, HERE ARE THE BEST BAITS TO CATCH GRAYLING.
