Grayling

Thymallus thymallus

A cold water fish, grayling are closely related to salmon and trout, but are sometimes classified as coarse fish because they spawn in the spring. With a distinctive dorsal fin and iridescent scales, grayling are common in several Welsh rivers.

Grayling are found in the Wye, Dee and Severn catchments including their many tributaries, and also in the Taff, Rhymney, Ewenny and Ogmore rivers, where they have been introduced. There is also a small population in the Teifi.

Grayling are a shoaling fish and average 30cm to 35cm in most Welsh rivers. Specimens to 50cm plus are caught each year. Grayling fishing is best in the autumn and winter months.