November – River Fly Selection (Grayling)

November is one of the prime months for grayling fishing on UK rivers, with cooler water temperatures and reduced surface activity encouraging fish to feed more consistently below the surface.

During milder spells, Large Dark Olives may still hatch sporadically, and grayling will often respond confidently when these opportunities arise. Any dry fly action at this time of year is usually brief and conditions-dependent, but well worth watching for on suitable days.

For most November conditions, subsurface fishing provides the most reliable approach. Freshwater shrimp and louse are ever-present near the riverbed and form a staple part of a grayling’s diet throughout late autumn and winter. Grayling often feed steadily and predictably on these food sources, making accurate depth control and natural presentation particularly important.

Grayling in November are typically found holding in steady flows and deeper glides, where they will readily intercept well-presented nymphs and imitative patterns. Fishing with restraint and precision often proves far more effective than frequent fly changes.

The flies in this collection have been selected specifically for UK grayling fishing in November, balancing the occasional opportunity for late-season olive dry fly fishing with dependable subsurface patterns that consistently produce fish as the season progresses.

If you’re unsure which flies best suit your local river or current conditions, we’re always happy to help.