When the winter really hits grayling leave shallow running water and concentrate in deeper, slow moving pools. They will be still eating, but not so voraciously as in the main season. In the cold water they are unlikely to be rising or moving any far to get your fly and to catch them at all you must present them with a small morsel at their exact depth.
In order to achieve this I have designed a team of two flies - big and heavy "anchor" fly (Zátěžovka in Czech - literal translation would be something like weight adder) to sink fast to where the fish are huddled and a small micro nymph to actually catch them.
The Anchor / Zátěžovka
While this fly might catch an accidental fish or two it is in fact sacrificial (and I am probably overdressing it). Its main purpose in the team is to get your catching fly down, and to do so fast. Thus the big bead head of Tungsten and body filled with one or two layers of flat lead. It is tied on a jig hook, so that will always drift with the point facing up.
The fly is so heavy your presentation options are restricted to short lining in the Czech style. It is uncastable with the wimpy rods normally used for winter grayling fishing.
The tie:
#10 Skalka Jig hook
4.8 mm Tungsten beadhead
some flat lead wire
red floss tag
peacock herl counterribed with thin red wire for more durability
hackle of brown hen for some added mobility
red SLF collar
The Micro nymph
This fly is intended to represent something small and in general edible. It is most unlikely there will be a major insect activity going on by mid winter, and so the fish will not be selective. In fact - at the time this two nymph team is intended to be fished - you will be lucky if the fish are eating at all. Your best chances are with a small and not overly aggressive attractor.
The tie:
#18 TMC100 hook
2 mm brass bead head in copper finish (no need for Tungsten, the weight is provided by the big brother)
orange UNI Neon tip - pink, red or chartreuse tips can be also considered
gold ribbed hare body
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