How to catch Winter Grayling | Euronymphing | River Clyde

If you're wishing away the days until the opening of the trout season, you could be missing out on some fantastic opportunities for fly fishing.
In this video, I catch grayling on a very wet section of the River Clyde in Lanarkshire controlled by the UCAPA (www.ucapaltd.com/). I also tie up and show you how I fish my two absolute favourite flies for grayling.
Filmed on a GoPro Hero 5 and a Nikon D3400 - it's a nightmare to keep the GoPro droplet-free in the rain so apologies for the dodgy footage!
#flyfishingscotland #flyfishinginscotland #indicatorfishing

[@jafiraultza2232]

Happy new year and a fantastic video!!

[@rufusleaking3934]

Hello Sean just come across your most informative video fish , tie it , show it fishing again. With clear tying up close. A real pleasure to watch .don't fish the Clyde but going to put these to use on the tweed looking for more videos from you Tight lines mate well done.

[@serfish101]

Beautiful flies! I am a newbie with tenkara fishing technic but l line to learn new flies and nimphs imitations

[@vfrexup]

Excellent video - really enjoyed it !

[@waynemasey545]

Been watching all your programs over the last few weeks just 75 Mille's from you in ecclefecan keep doing it magical love the white cart looks my sort of river how have l missed this gem Wayne the pom in ecclefecan 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@neilmclean4439]

Brilliant video again Sean. Lovely big trout.

[@neilmclean4439]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing I bet. I've missed out on fishing the last few years. Your videos are inspiring me to go out and catch some wild Browns. Look forward to your next video 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ben_snow4497]

Just found your channel, really great video mate! Welshman living in Edinburgh. Caught my first Grayling couple of weeks ago on the Esk, off down the Leader tomorrow. Might see you on the Clyde some day 👍

[@RhysFishes]

Nicely done Sean!

[@owenmoran8344]

Great video Sean! I like the pink or red tag and the pheasant tail!

[@owenmoran8344]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing Happy new year to you too! All the best for 2020! 🎊

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Really enjoying this, you're an excellent editor! 👍👍

[@bustedcrunk]

Two of my new favourite channels right here! :)

[@bustedcrunk]

Loving your videos, man! If you ever fancy a go at the Shetland broonies, geez a shout!

[@tombond269]

Excellent! I hadn’t considered going Grayling fishing but you’ve inspired me.

[@tombond269]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing I caught a good few on dries whilst trouting last season. Last season was my first as a fly angler so the world of nymphing is a bit daunting but you make it look fairly straight forward. Please keep up the work producing these films, they are brilliant.

[@tombond269]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing Thank you, It's interesting that you mentioned Frank Sawyer in the film. I am a member of the association of which he was formerly the river keeper. The thing i find most baffling about nymphing is the use of an indicator? Is there a type that you would recommend? I did try some stick on dots but I couldn't get on with them. Thank you for taking the time to reply to my previous comments by the way!

[@tombond269]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing I'm a member of the Services Dry Fly Fishing Association. Salisbury and District Angling Association have a lot of water in the area though. Our stretch is about 7 miles long and is about 10 miles north of Salisbury. Thank you for the tips, I'll watch the film back and have a closer look at the indicator. Cheers!

[@stevenqueen8913]

Another awesome video mate

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Thanks Steven! Tight lines mate :)

[@Yermaw11]

You need to get a video posted every week mate lol brilliant

[@stubee1744]

No grayling for me yet tho been getting nice perch and few big chub from the endrick , nice vid mate think will give the Clyde a try this week , not long now till trout time!👍 All the best for this year

[@williammclauchlan2610]

I have always wanted to try the endrick in winter,are you getting roach as well as the perch and chub mate?Cheers

[@callumsmaile8815]

That trout! 😯😍

[@callumsmaile8815]

They all count 😉 Caught a few lovely little Brownies up in Glen Prosen last Summer, barely 0.5lb but the most stunning fish.

[@GarethYNWA]

Awesome video as always man!

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Thanks so much Gareth!

[@GarethYNWA]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing do you know of any Grayling waters near Dunfermline? I have only been in the country since June so I’m still trying to find my way around..

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

@@GarethYNWA your closest grayling fishing is probably the Earn up near Crieff. I think the Crieff Angling Club do permits but it’s a long river so there might be different permits for different stretches. The Clyde, Tay and Tweed systems all have grayling but would be a bit of a journey for you. I’ve also heard of grayling in the Water of Leith but I’m not sure if you can fish for them

[@GarethYNWA]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing thanks mate really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@aidiess]

great video and loads of memories for me on the clyde around lanarkshire which I fished regularly back in the day !! look forward to some more of them. (ps. - music was a bit overpowering)

[@paulreid1369]

My friends used to catch grayling under the marble bridge at Cathcart.

[@paulreid1369]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing Need to crawl down the bank which is steep.

[@weederminb7091]

browns catch and releases nice Releases 👌🍁

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@stuartrowan7416]

Hi Sean. Great videos man. I watch regularly! :-) Im from Kilmarnock and have yet to try the Clyde. Have you ever fished the Ayr? Also, what size of bead do you use on the PTN and the biot nymph?

[@brianjohnman2131]

nice browny there, wee bonus

[@williammclauchlan2610]

Great video Sean!!clear and concise but simply explained !! I used to fish at Rosebank and Crossford but it's been a few years since I was able to fish the Clyde,are those areas still productive to your knowledge? Keep up the great work👍

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Thanks William, great to hear you found the vid useful 🙏🏼. As far as I'm aware, the Clyde valley still produces fish. The popular areas do receive a good bit of angling pressure but I've caught fish both times I've been out this winter (which reminds me I really need to do a bit of fishing 😂😂). Tight lines 🐟🐟

[@BEN10TO10]

Really good informative video's. How do you determine how deep to fish the flies with the 'indicator' ?

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Thanks mate, glad you found it helpful. I usually start with the indicator about 1.5 times the depth I’m fishing. Then I’ll go with heavier flies or even add weight to the leader to try and get the rig down before moving the indicator. If I’m hooking the bottom every other cast I’ll usually scale down the flies. I’d rather go with a lighter rig than move my indicator too close to the dropper just to keep a bit of distance between the flies and the indicator. But it’s more of an art than a science. If there’s a reasonable flow to the water (it’s neither dead slack nor really ripping through) and the run is say 4ft deep, 6ft between the indicator and a point fly with a 2.5 or 3mm tungsten bead is a good starting point 👍🏼

[@rainorshine365]

Hi Sean. Just found your channel and, as a fly fishing newbie, I’m learning a lot from your videos. Any chance you could give me a breakdown your on line set up for nymphing. I’ve read a little on euro nymph lines and wondered what lengths of line and leader you use. Keep up the good work.

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Hi James. I’ve got a wee diagram/description of the nymphing setup in the video I posted on Monday but I’m using an indicator method rather than euro setup these days. If you’re set on the euro method, you typically want a dedicated euro fly line (or some sort of running line like the laser line from OPST). The leader is usually very thin and about 14ft, terminating in a wee length of two tone indicator. To that you add a tippet ring and then tie on your tippet. I usually run about 1.5 times the depth of the water to the first fly and then another 15/16 inches to the point fly. If the flies are hanging up, you tie on lighter flies. If they’re obviously rushing through, you can add split shot or tie on heavier flies. To be honest, I played around with that euro setup for a couple of years and have gone back to a simple indicator rig. I find it’s less faff and more versatile but both methods will catch you fish. Hope that all makes sense 👍🏼

[@rainorshine365]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing Thanks for this very prompt reply. It is very informative. I’ve been using a strike indicator too. Thanks again.

[@pabbyification]

Nice video, liked the technique , must give it a go. What was the indicator made of?

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Thanks Pete! I hope it works for you 🤞🏼🎣

[@FishingIrkutsk]

👍

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Спасибо, друг, я проверю твой канал!

[@neilmason158]

Like the use of the nail brush, lot easier to use than my toothbrush to tease the dubbing. Can you advise on your rod in use.

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Hi Neil! I've since switched over to a bit of velcro on a lollipop stick but the nailbrush is an underrated tool 😂.. I use the 10ft 3wt nymphmaniac from Vision. It's not the cheapest but for euronymphing/indicator fishing in the winter, it does a pretty good job. For more or less everything else, I'm shortish fibreglass rods these days. Tight lines 🙏🏼🐟

[@Luke_whitt]

Hi, Are you fishing a 4 weight line here? Seen some videos saying to simply use backing as main line? New to Fly Fishing and looking to go for some grayling in the coming weeks. Any advice appreciated!

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Hi Luke, good question mate! There are lots of ways to fish the nymph. In this video I'm using a 4wt with a WF floating line. I think I was using a 10 ft tapered leader with an indicator and two heavy flies. This approach can be effective when you're fishing long drifts at distance or when it's windy. The approach you're describing sounds like euronymphing. Euro style favours longer rods (10-11ft) which are light (2/3/4wt) and soft. And you're right, euro lines are super thin and lots of anglers just tie their leader straight to the backing. It's a very technical approach but can be super effective. If you search for Devin Olsen (tactical fly fisher on KZbin I think), he's got plenty of tutorials that'll help you make sense of the technique. His feature length videos are worth every penny if you're keen to learn more. But aye, if you're new to nymphing, I'd give the indicator rig a go. Use your normal rod and line. Tie on a decent length of leader (maybe 10/12ft of 5lb fluoro) with two weighted flies and attach an indicator to match the depth. If you're fishing a 4ft deep riffle with a nice flow, try setting the indicator 6ft above the top fly for starters. Cast upstream and try to keep the indicator drifting downstream towards you at the speed of the current. Red tags, hares ear, pheasant tail etc. If the fish are there and feeding, you should catch a few. Tight lines bud :)

[@paulblackwildfishing8686]

How ye doin bud? Where abouts in the clyde is that your fishin? Ive tried the abington and crawford area but with no success as of yet

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

That's in the Clyde Valley, mate. That stretch between Garrion and Milton Lockhart

[@leetaylor2072]

Looking to join the UCAPA water next season. Can you recommend some nice spots to get me started?. Brilliant videos, keep them coming.

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Good idea, Lee! It depends what sort of fishing you’re planning to do. Theres a really good section of river between Garrion and Crossford. You just need to check the map for access points and restrictions. Then upstream, you’ve got miles and miles to explore between Abington and Elvanfoot and away upstream. Best advice is to find somewhere to park the car and walk up or downstream as far as you fancy. You’ll find the best water that way

[@leetaylor2072]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing Thanks for the speedy reply and the info. I look forward to my new adventures up there. I’ll be covering all species.

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

It’s a great river (although there are times you’ll swear it’s devoid of fish!). If you buy a non-migratory permit now, you’ll actually get the grayling fishing this winter, the 2021 trout season, and the grayling season next winter all for the price of a single-season trout ticket. Not sure if you’re planning to fish for salmon too but I heard those permits are limited and sold out this year - might be worth making enquiries sooner rather than later if you are 👍🏼

[@leetaylor2072]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing thanks again. Looks like I will go for the grayling permit. How far up on the Clyde do you get them?. I got a grayling season permit for the Avon water, great value at £5.

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

@@leetaylor2072 I don’t know how far up you find them, but definitely the Abington-Elvanfoot stretch. The Avon’s a river I’ve never fished! Need to give it a try soon

[@paulblackwildfishing8686]

The method ive been using is the indicator method with pheasant tail nymphs and bug type scruffy nypmphs underneath it. The water ive been fishin is abington all the way up to crawford which is 4 mile of water and its all fast water at that. Is the technique im using wrong or have we just been unlucky not to come into contact with fish. Amy advice or info ye can give me on setup amd method would be greatly appreciated. Today and sunday both we had a strong wind blowin in our face and the temperstures was well below 0 all day maybe thats been a factor. But as i said any advice you can pass on would be greatly appreciated. Catchin salmon an wild loch browns i can do all day. These graylin seem to avoidin me big time

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

If you're finding the upper Clyde hard going, you're in good company, trust me mate!! The section you're fishing has bags of potential and some very good fish. But it can also be so dour, you'd swear it's devoid of all life! I'd doubt there's much wrong with your technique. I'm guessing you're using standard nymphs, light tippet and you're going heavy enough to get the flies down to depth? I find the fast water up there lends itself to euronymphing and personally I've done well on rougher jig flies with a bit of bling and I wouldn't be afraid to use bigger beads to make sure you're getting down in the deeper water. But the indicator method will work fine. I might be wrong, but I'm fairly sure that part of the river has a relatively scarce population of fish compared to the lower river, with fewer grayling but a larger average size. Remember they're a shoal species too, especially in the winter, so you do sometimes have to search for them. There's also quite a bit of fishing pressure there and the fact its so open means you'll get battered by the wind if it's breezy. It's worth persevering because you might very well bang into a 50+cm fish. But if you want to increase your chances, I'd honestly try further downstream (providing you're sticking by the restrictions on travel of course!). The bottom of the Clyde valley has some nice stretches down towards the lower limits of the UCAPA ticket. And if you can figure out where to park and get down to the water, you've literally miles of good water between Garrion and Milton Lockhart, around Crossford, Hazelbank, Kirkfieldbank. The Hosier water around Lanark also has loads of potential. Not sure if any of that's helpful but hopefully you'll feel a bit better for finding it hard going! Tight lines bud :)

[@paulblackwildfishing8686]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing 3.5 mm tungsten beads i tie with so i know the flies are bouncin along the bottom. Aye both days we were there the wind did make life difficult. Listen thanks so much for the info i was wantin to know if it was me and i was doin somethin wrong. Yeah the water at milton lockhart especially is beautiful. I just thought the upper clyde would have been teamin with fish because of how good the water is and the deep holes there. Thanks again mate for gettin back to me. Any success il let ye know. Tight lines friend👍

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

@@paulblackwildfishing8686 Honestly, mate, I've got friends who refuse to fish the river up that way because it's notoriously challenging. The rewards are there but you have to accept a few bruises along the way! Feel free to send me an email ([e-mail]) if you need any pointers for finding your way around the lower section of the river. Tight lines Paul

[@leetaylor2072]

Where’s the best place to park my car to fish that area?. Loads of garden centres but unsure to park in them. Cheers Lee

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

There’s a map with parking places on the UCAPA website - Ucapaltd.com/map. I think you should also be able to park in any of the wee villages along the river and you could always ask the garden centres if it’s ok to leave your car 👍🏼

[@johnbee2175]

Do you sell these flies you use, I used to tie but eyes not so good now. Also any advice on that strike indicator you use. Any information welcome. Thanks John. Ps really enjoyed your video!

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Thanks John! I've done a wee bit on the strike indicator rig in my latest video from the river Clyde. Unfortunately I'm not set up to tie flies in any great quantities. But the flies I use for grayling are all fairly conventional (pheasant tail nymphs, hares ears etc) and the patterns you can find in your local angling shop should do the business. Tight lines 🙏🏼🐟

[@aidanblack6349]

Hi Sean absolutely lovin the content cracking channel. I’m wanting to start producing some flies of my own any chance of some component break down. I’ve been pick up snippets but any help would be appreciated👍👊

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Thanks mate, delighted you're enjoying the channel! I have a few tying tutorials over on the angling scotland channel. If you guys are interested, I could definitely start adding some fly tying to the videos 🙏🏼🐟

[@scobo4592]

Hi again Sean, enjoyed this one too. Not been after the grayling in years. That an Edinburgh accent by any chance ? Scott

[@scobo4592]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing Ah, just wondered if you fish the Almond or Water of Leith. Was brought up in Edinburgh myself.

[@scobo4592]

@@SouthsideFlyFishing Only fished them once or twice myself, more of a loch fisher, but I heard the WOL now has a few grayling. Anyway, tight lines for the coming trout season. 👍

[@simonthompson474]

HI were fly fishing is that near shield hill castle

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

I don't know Shield Hill castle, but in the video I was fishing near Rosebank. Tight lines 🐟🐟

[@neilmason158]

GRHE and PTN plus Spiders

[@stefang6213]

How do you get around catching trout In the closed season? What's the legalities of it? Obviously you're looking grayling.. but clearly it still happens.

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

You try not to catch trout out of season. But if you do you hook something other than the target species, simply get them in as quickly as possible and release them with minimum fuss

[@weederminb7091]

What’s the biggest brown over there

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

My biggest brown from the river was probably 2.5lbs but I’ve lost much bigger. The biggest I’ve seen was 12lb so there are some monsters in there!

[@loois808]

Is that a salmon breaking the surface at 11:40?

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

It could well have been, Lewis! It showed in the tail of the pool a couple of times and I thought it was a brownie initially. But the 'rises' looked more like a salmon than a trout

[@iawnskicrew1195]

nice vid bud ,but please get rid of the music

[@samijii97]

How to catch Winter Grayling | Euronymphing | River Clyde Where is euronyphin? where is the winter? what the fuck?? come to finland and then i show how to fishing with nymph???"!?!?!? dm pleas.

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Happy New Year, Sami 🙏🏼🐟