November is one of the strongest grayling months of the year. By now most dedicated river fly anglers are focused on grayling, and nymphing dominates. The first proper winter rain often transforms rivers, raising levels, adding colour and encouraging fish to feed confidently. At the same time, clear spells can provide excellent technical fishing with smaller natural patterns.
Presentation remains the key, but visibility becomes more important as rivers rise and colour develops. In clear water, natural flies such as the Peaks Fly Fishing Euro Shrimp, Peaks Fly Fishing High Voltage Nymph, Pheasant Tail Nymph and Hare's Ear Nymph continue to catch consistently. In coloured or bigger water, do not be afraid to scale up. The Peaks Fly Fishing Tungsten Twitcher comes into its own in these conditions. Its larger profile, weight and visibility make it a strong choice for searching deeper, coloured runs where grayling have less time to inspect the fly.
Modern Euro nymphing remains highly effective in November, but traditional nymphing under an indicator also works. Mild afternoons can still produce brief Large Dark Olive activity, and spiders such as Partridge and Orange or Snipe and Purple are worth keeping in the box.
Recommended fly selection:
- Peaks Fly Fishing High Voltage Nymph
- Peaks Fly Fishing Euro Shrimp
- Peaks Fly Fishing Epoxy Back Shrimp
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Hare's Ear Nymph
- Peaks Fly Fishing Tungsten Twitcher
- Partridge and Orange
- Snipe and Purple
- Large Dark Olive
- Kite's Imperial
On the river:
November is the month to fish the conditions rather than the calendar. Low and clear calls for natural nymphs and shrimp. Bigger, coloured water calls for a more visible pattern such as the Peaks Fly Fishing Tungsten Twitcher.
