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Laxfisk

Grayling

Thymallus thymallus

The sailfish of running water — that big, painted dorsal fin gives it away.

2,790

Waters with the species

15%

Of all our waters

Largest reported

Description

Grayling carry an unmistakable oversized, colourful dorsal fin and even smell faintly of thyme. They like steady, even currents and rise beautifully to insects on the surface.

Habitat

Clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers, mostly in northern Sweden.

Size

Usually 200–600 g; a grayling over 1 kg is a fine fish.

Season

Summer and early autumn, when insect life is at its peak.

Methods

Fly fishing with dries and nymphs, and float fishing.

Tip

Grayling shoal up — once you've had one take, keep working the same stretch.

Waters with grayling

The 20 largest waters in our catalogue where the species is reported. Marked ✓ when species data is verified via SLU NORS survey fishing.

+ 2,770 more waters in the catalogue. Search for a specific one.