Small Stream Grayling Nymphing Using A Hybrid Euro Leader

Andy heads off to a tiny UK stream to target winter grayling on nymphs, using a hybrid technique featuring European style tackle but with a buoyant suspension style floating indicator to present flies to the wild trout and grayling in the creek. Will this Euro style method be successful in a small brook and has Andy got the best rig for modern nymphing in shallow streams?
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Learn how to fly fish with the IB & Andy Fishing channel, your beginners guide to fly fishing for trout. With loads of tips on river fly fishing for beginners, UK Grayling fishing, how to catch trout in a river, how to euro nymph, euro nymphing techniques and much more. With some of the best UK fly fishing videos for UK fly fishing techniques, IB & Andy show you how to catch grayling & trout from rivers.

[@davidcowan3201]

Hi andy thanks for the vid and the tips .. tight lines mate

[@SAOwen123]

Good vid it so good to see you guys 👍

[@marklamude2355]

I do this all the time Andy, works well for me.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Nice, it certainly worked OK this time!

[@mscustomlures]

Perfect looking place for a short glass rod. Bit like a couple of my local small streams. Wouldn't be surprised if you pick out a few bigger trout on streamers come spring time

[@carlwaine5263]

Interesting video again, Andy, making me very jealous that you can fish for a couple of hours though! I’ve got a Hends GPX 9002/1002 that I use for French nymph in 10ft and as a 9 footer for dry fly with a wf3 at other times (it’s rated as a #2 weight). The only drawback is the section that increases/decreases the rod I have to carry in a small tube as it doesn’t stow in the butt like the Greys Streamflex. Great rod though and have had 3lb+ wild brownies from the Dove on it as well as chub to 5lb, so plenty of backbone! Tight lines and please keep the videos coming!

[@williestew68]

My local river is small, perhaps not as small as where you fished, but still only little. But its great fun to fish!!! It changes constantly, some slow deep runs then fast and there's even a few big waterfalls which have some great pools below them 😊 It's mostly small fish, from 3 inches to 8inches, but there are some biggies and the fun bit is trying to find them!!!! I love fishing small streams, especially on my tenkara rod, cos they really make you work in terms of snags and trees!!!! Losing flies in trees is just an occupational hazard!! 😜 Another great video Andy, keep them coming 😁

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks Willie, much appreciated! U must admit these sessions have really reignited my passion for small streams. I used to do this a lot but since I started guiding I've focused on the type of venues I work on. You just can't beat these small intimate venues can you?!

[@williestew68]

@@IBandAndyFishing it's a different kind of challenge in terms of room to cast, physically moving along the river and finding the fish. I'm usually in the water the whole time as most of my river is in a gorge so bank access is almost non existient!! And I'm fishing wee tiny runs or under fallen trees, all really close range. I love it!! 😁

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Sounds right up my street that Willie! I think this place will be similar in the summer, I can't wait to flip a few dries around here!

[@nickjackson5360]

A nice adaptation of the standard indicator rig Andy, would be great to see some more. I'll give it a go on our stretch, see how it goes! 🎣😊

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Have a play with it, see how you get on! Thanks nick!

[@peterwelsh9509]

Another great video Andy, i like how you describe how and where you are intending to pitch the nymphs and suffering the trees like the rest of us. I fish a couple of similar size rivers with a Hanak 2wt 2in1 9ft & 9..6 with the extension, it's lovely as a light dry rod and with the extension fitted is perfect for the nymph, i can really can recommend it .

[@IBandAndyFishing]

That hanak sounds ideal, I think a 9' 1 or 2# will be ideal. Might even keep me out of the trees 🙈😂

[@peterwelsh9509]

@@IBandAndyFishing I purchased it from Unique Flies, i use an Esoteric nymph line and it casts a small dry fly lovely , slip on the extension and you have a delicate nymph rod.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I best knock the dust off the wallet by the sounds of it! 😂😂

[@kevinlance1813]

Fishing in lovely England. Always enjoy your stuff. The wife and I are hoping to do some fishing in the Lake District if restrictions due to Covid ever lift. Cheers.

[@chrisowenuk3792]

Excellent video as usual lots of useful advice, it's given me the incentive to try a wild unmanaged stretch of the Kennet walking distance from me. Thank you, did I see a Redd in the video?

[@timbrown6209]

Wish I could come out to "Play around for a few hours" nice one Andy 😊

[@blondie853]

nice one Andy.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks Steve!

[@richardbawcombe8036]

You’re so lucky having that on your doorstep!

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I totally agree, we certainly don't take it for granted!

[@calkidder8929]

very nice job andy tight line

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks Cal, glad you enjoyed!

[@tomhammerton4420]

Andy thanks for helping me get through the winter. Up here in the Northern Tier of PA the water temps are below freezing, the banks are deep in snow and the edges or the rivers are iced up. If we get a bit of a thaw I plan to hit some of the faster water (that doesn't freeze solid) with some streamers. Realistically there is not much happening till April. Good for skiing though! We don't have Graying here but I still find I learn something from your videos every time. Where do I find how to make one of those sliding indicators? I've been wanting to do something like that for a while - the foam indicators are just not doing it.

[@MrSofthackle]

My home waters would be the Wisconsin and Iowa Driftless. Watching your videos has inspired me to try euro nymphing these small streams. I’ve tried a few times and caught fish but I think my nymphs were too light. I couldn’t really feel the nymphs drifting but voila I managed to catch some fish. Thanks for educational videos I’ve learned a lot. My next goal is to catch a Grayling.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Great job Dale, thank you so much for the great comment! Always worth having a selection of weights in the fly box. Which rivers in the states have grayling?

[@MrSofthackle]

Unfortunately there are very few rivers in the lower 48 states of the US that have good numbers of Grayling. Alaska is the only the state that has good numbers of Grayling. The Ausable river system in Michigan used have very good national numbers of Grayling but the introduction of brown trout and habitat destruction led to heir extinction. The state of Michigan is now working on the plan to reestablish Grayling to Michigan.The Yellowstone river system in Montana has a small number of grayling. But the introduction of non native trout (brook and brown trout) greatly reduced their numbers. I am lucky enough to be involved in a volunteer program to try and reestablish Grayling populations in Yellowstone National Park.

[@benmq100]

Great video! Just a thought, i wonder how it would work if you left a gap between the float stops on your sliding indicator system you could control the depth by lifting the rod, kind of similar to what some guys do in the course world do with sliding floats? That way can remain tight in contact too with the line? Might have a try!

[@lastcastthistimelolanymeth7163]

Really enjoyed that thanks for the video 👍can u give me a wee clue for the best place to catch wee graling I've tried Abington to Crawford but had no luck 🎣

[@Nicktgrief]

Nice one.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Cheers nick!

[@crickhowellparagliding7440]

Hanak #2 would be sweet Andy! I have a 9'6" and it's the dream for smaller rivers.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Seems like a popular choice! 👍👍👍

[@paul40925]

You really can't beat a bit of experimentation...Adds to the fun.. Lucky to have that stream right on your doorstep..

[@IBandAndyFishing]

We really are, we don't take it for granted that's for sure! Thanks Paul!

[@paul40925]

@@IBandAndyFishing Hi guys, having set up my 10ft3# as a my euronymphing rod on the back of your 2 vids last year.. I set up 2 leaders one with the the little coloured strike indicator, I tended to use that in deep water.. But for shallow I set up one very similar to yours.. Great fun experimenting and learning too, even each time I used it..Keep up the good work guys.. Paul in Norwich.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Great stuff Paul, it's the very best way of finding what works for you isn't it? Having a play with a new rig can make a visit to the same old venue in to a new adventure!

[@paul40925]

@@IBandAndyFishing just wish we had Grayling here, if they are they are rare!

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Is there a Norfolk river with grayling?

[@johnsilver6739]

Small streams often surprise usually because most people don’t fish them, one of my fav small streams has gave me very many happy times fishing. Great video thanks for posting. Bob

[@paul40925]

Indeed, we have a small river here in Norfolk off of the Wensum.. It really does hold surprises, in some places it's inches deep and you can jump it it's that narrow..

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I think I know the one you mean Paul, I've got a couple of regular clients from that part of the country who rave about that stream!

[@paul40925]

@@IBandAndyFishing looking at your river there I can imagine in summer you not getting near the water at all..Jungle..

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I'm going to give it a go! 😂

[@andrewrenwick6485]

Good angling; sinking french leader? Maybe a Rio shorty? It’ll float, I prefer mine to the mono leader just because of it handling qualities..... but nonetheless well done for getting out, all our rivers in mid-Wales have been in full flood for three weeks pretty much.... you could get a 9’ #2 ( I’ve the guideline light presentation 9’9’’ 3 and I think they do a 9’3’’ #2 that won’t break the bank). Again well done for getting out and providing us with something to watch.....

[@robertgreen5217]

That was good👍

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks Robert, much appreciated!

[@jxckfrost1713]

nice one loving the videos while in winter (not my speciality)

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks bud, much appreciated!

[@ethanrush4562]

Great video Andy well done 🎣👍. I think you could get a pleasant surprise using streamers in the trout season, you might just pull a bigger fish that maybe wouldn't have shown as much interest in the bugs🐟.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I think you're right, this place has huge potential- can't wait for March 18th!

[@dandenrode]

I hope you guys get to come fish Alberta's trout streams one day!

[@IBandAndyFishing]

That would be great daniel!

[@ascot1049]

Brilliant, I would like to see you do more of this style of fishing .

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks bud, will try to keep at it!

[@willduckworth5535]

I am living very close to the East Allen river in Northumberland that is just about the same size as that one. It is great for Brownies in the trout season but no grayling. The local club has a small lake to (all C&R) and is just £50 per year membership or £10 per day with a few miles of river available.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Sounds like a bargain will?!

[@willduckworth5535]

@@IBandAndyFishing If you fancy coming up post lock down just let me know ;-)

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks will! That sounds awesome!

[@johnrensten]

Hi Andy, And another question...here are you tight-ish from the rod to the suspender/indicator or letting some of your line sit on the water...or a bit of both? thanks again, john

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Hi John, good question again! I wasn't trying to be tight to thy indicator no, that would effect the drift, I was pretty much fishing it like fly line 👍

[@johnrensten]

@@IBandAndyFishing excellent thank you

[@stephenbarlow685]

Hi Andy what weight rod are you using in this vid thanks in advance

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Hi Stephen, this is a 10' 2# - a little but long for this sort of work 👍 Thank you for watching!

[@mattthorley5805]

Evening Andy, looks like an interesting way to fish nymphs. Forgive me if this is a stupid question but when you fish like this do you put your indicator on the French leader or your tippet?

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Hi Matt! No stupid questions here, I putting it on the French leader, it's more secure on there and also gives extra adjustability 👍👍

[@mattthorley5805]

@@IBandAndyFishing I'll take it that you don't use a particularly long section of tippet then (possibly the shortest you would expect to fish) and get any extra depth by sliding the indicator up the French leader?

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Exactly that Matt, I think I was at about 18" minimum on this rig, it worked really well!

[@mcg6171]

Hi Andy, do you ever float the sighter? I think I ve never seen that in your videos. Big fan of the channel

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Hi bud, I guess your question here is regarding European style rather than suspension indicator? In which case no I don't, if I'm fishing euro style then I'll assume I'm holding if not all then part of the indicator out of the water on a tight line to the rod tip - there's no real need to apply any floatant 👍

[@mcg6171]

Thanks for the answer. Indeed I was referring to euro, I was just thinking that floating the sighter would give you an approach in between indicator and pure euro...maybe worth trying depending on river conditions (like in the stretch you fished above) never mind...it’s great watching you (and IB) trying stuff

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I've tried it in the past with both indicator mono and braided indicator. The mono you just can't hold up any weight with, the braided indicator is barely any better. Maybe with a pair of 2mm beads or something but it didn't work great for me personally 👍👍

[@marklamude2355]

I just use a klink n dink in this situation but because im always in contact i can overload the indicator fly with heavier nymphs. Nose grease is always a gink alternative.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

If I was targeting trout in the spring/ summer I'd use the duo too, but because I feel like I need to use extra weight at this time of year I wanted the extra buoyancy of the indicator, and by doing that I don't need direct contact with the indicator which I think will give me better drifts 👍

[@marklamude2355]

@@IBandAndyFishing i agree Andy, when im keeping the casts short its ok as the first quarter of the drift is on the sink anyway, but your right i normally have to go down to a single Size 12 Hotspot pheasant tail nymph, but any more and that klink is dunk lol great video mate.

[@marklamude2355]

I have found that a fulling mill klink n dink supports one of your squirmy wormys bloody perfectly, need lots of gink and a rubber band though, but boy has that wormy picked out some much better fish for me. its my go too 'im scared im gonna blank' fly these days lol

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Deadly aren't they?! That's why I prefer the foam in the winter, the chances of catching a fish on the klink at this time of year is basically zero so I prefer the low maintenance foam option, in a few weeks I'll be back on the klink 👍👍

[@miggru1952]

Cool vid! Which hook size did you use ? Seems big for winter .. and Is a shorter rod (10ft) not more practical.? Keep on your great work!👍✌️

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Nothing bigger than a sz14, most were sz16 hooks so not really big no. I like the longer rod for nymphing, I'll probably fish a shorter rod when we change to dries/duo. Thanks for watching!

[@davidhubble7527]

Suprised you didn’t get some chub, those short narrow streams do get snaggy as flood water brings a lot of shite downstream. Our local stream needs constant attention du to falling trees etc.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I've heard there are a few species in there, I've only found two so far but I'll keep trying!

[@davidhubble7527]

Even caught gudgeon on a nymphe in a stream like this !!

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I'm still yet to catch a gudgeon on a fly, I get very envious when other folks do it 🙈😂

[@ClearStreamsUK]

Wouldn't a 7"6" 2# be better?

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I'm not a huge fan of short rods Mike, I much prefer the control of the longer rod when nymphing, I might have to change tack on that once we start throwing dries though

[@paul40925]

Oddly you would think it would, Andy does touch on the use of short rods in his Video last year.. I guess if you are fishing right under your feet you could. I tried my 7ft 3# with this method, it didn't really work.. I can only liken it to trotting a float in a river, you dont have the control behind it.. I then got my 10ft 3#, that changed it..But trust me I'm still learning this method...

[@ClearStreamsUK]

@@paul40925 I was thinking more for the hassle of the over hanging trees. But I get that a short rod might not be the best for nymphing methods. I've only recently tried nymphing and have a 10' 2#. But even with that it's not easy. but I a few places I fish have low trees and I'm not exactly little, so the 7'6" 4# I've got might get a try out.

[@paul40925]

@@ClearStreamsUK yes, short rod in that situation might be advantageous..

[@kevinpritchard1413]

Not sure why a fly rod is needed to do this. A soft stick-float rod would cast weighted flies- two, 3.5mm tungsten weigh same as a AAA shot. I must give it a go!

[@IBandAndyFishing]

You could definitely use a different rod for this, I use fly rods because it's what I have and how I like to fish 👍 Let us know how you get on! It's something I've been meaning to try 👍

[@kevinpritchard1413]

@@IBandAndyFishing I will, once the fishing reopens

[@tomcull9973]

Andy see if you can pick yourself up a second hand daiwa lexa NS 8/9ft. Absolutely perfect for that little stream you're fishing.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

That sounds I good shout - #2?

[@tomcull9973]

@@IBandAndyFishing it's a 3 but very sensitive tip

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I think I'd be worried about pulling hooks with a shorter 3#, though it isn't a rod I've seen before. Not even sure where I'd find a daiwa game stockist around here!

[@tomcull9973]

@@IBandAndyFishing they are discontinued anyway so you won't find them new. It's my go to small stream rod and has been for years. Hook pulls really not a problem. If you find one and don't like it I'll buy it off you as a spare, how's that for a guarantee 😉

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Sold! 😂😂

[@jacobprescott396]

I’ve got serious fishing blues... the rivers have been so bad that I haven’t had my hands on a grayling in 2 months 😭

[@IBandAndyFishing]

If it's any consolation IB is going bonkers here too- it keeps raining just before the weekend and making the rivers unfishable 😭 It'll soon be spring I promise!

[@jacobprescott396]

@@IBandAndyFishing Haha I keep checking the long range weather forecast to see when we might have another dry spell. Fingers crossed it come before the season ends 😱 I suppose theirs always the trout season in March to look forward to though. Thanks for the reply 😁👍🏻

[@IBandAndyFishing]

This cold snap next week should be dry coming from the east. I bloody hope so anyway! Thanks for watching the vlog! 👍👍

[@jacobprescott396]

@@IBandAndyFishing me too buddy. Tight lines 👍🏻

[@joshtarrant1898]

Tip: try and make your videos more exciting and target what people do most, I would never KZbin search for a grayling hybrid leader

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks Josh! Interested to know how you would have produced this particular vlog differently? We're always keen to learn! You may not search for the hybrid leader, but might you search small stream grayling fishing or grayling fishing with a euro leader? If not, what would you search? What do people "do most"?

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Hey Barry, we removed your comment just because we want the comments section to be positive and constructive- if josh has an idea about how we could improve then we're all ears! I'm looking forward to his reply 👍

[@paul40925]

Exiting is not always informative though...

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Given that Josh hasn't replied I'll assume he hasn't got any actual ideas, and that what he meant was 'I don't do this type of fishing, make videos which show the type of fishing which I like'. 👍

[@joshtarrant1898]

@@IBandAndyFishing sorry pal I’ve only just seen this, and to be honest, it’s different round my area, you probably get a lot of people searching for this stuff, but I think majority of the fishing audience on KZbin are looking for more mainstream ways to fish, aka lures and dead baits for pike, and carp fishing, and that was only a tip.. the amount of people who search for grayling fishing on a hybrid leader, to pike fishing with lures is 1|10