most effective grayling fly

[Dunk]

I don't follow patterns, so a tricky question. I just aim for a good general imitation of what's about - so no magic fly, but some general types.
Summer/Autumn: Whatever is hatching, but fishing almost exclusively on top:
Small palmered dries (griffiths gnat-like) in a variety of colours. I always tie a small white hackle at the head for visibility. I now switch to small scruffy palmered flies when the klink is getting rejections. Other flies: various klinks and small duster types in sizes from 12 to 24. Had a great day last weekend on the Severn on a sz22 greenfly, but they were taking my mates sz20 griffiths gnat as well - I think with grayling as with a lot of fly fishing the general imprint/size is more crucial than any specific pattern, that's from my own experience on the Severn. So it's more a case of what you prefer to fish with.
Winter: Goldhead bugs (sz12&14) generally in a variety of colours and materials, but all fairly dull - greens, greys etc. I do use a red wire rib on some though. I would like to get a sample of Sage's special sometime! That fly does sound like a magic pattern!
One constant is always a lead underbody. I use roofing lead myself (had a bit spare a while back). I trim it into the shape with some small scissors and whip onto the back of a standard heavy wet hook - makes a nice curved shape.
Snipe & Purple is also a favourite, tied on curved grub hooks.
If they're rising - out come the tiny dries again.
That's my 2p's worth!

[Gander]

Originally Posted by seiont

yes, the river dee is a bit too far, its in scotland by aberdeen

Good grief man, give yourself a shake. The true Dee is as Welsh as Snowdon. You are aware of Snowdon?

You are not one of these pseudo-Welsh Irish immigrant wannabes we have on the forum, are you?

Anyway, to answer the fly question. I have never fished for Grayling, something I will be putting right later this year. The flies that spring to mind, from all that I have read over the years, are the Red Tag, the Pink Shrimp and the Orange Egg Fly.

[ickypimp]

where to start... i catch more Grayling that Trout over the year ...

Dries - Klinkhamers are always good, colour and size to match the hatch or a greased lightning (klink tied with a pearl mylar body black seal fur thorax, red game hackle - i made them for the last Graying fly swap), F Fly, parachute adams, funnel duns.. i could go on...

Bugs- Pink shrimp, orange spot shrimp (both killing patterns on the itchen) beadhead GRHE and flashback pheasant tails.. to name but a few

spiders have done some damage too when the time is right...

[Dovebob]

I tend to use a Treacle Parkin on the Dove. similar to a red tag -

size 14 / 16,
peacock hearl body,
cheap black cock hackle (so it goes webby)
either orange floss or length of fine orange chenille for the tail.

It works for course fish as well as grayling.

[ickypimp]

Originally Posted by Dovebob

I tend to use a Treacle Parkin on the Dove. similar to a red tag -

size 14 / 16,
peacock hearl body,
cheap black cock hackle (so it goes webby)
either orange floss or length of fine orange chenille for the tail.

It works for course fish as well as grayling.

interesting... i also use the TP, thogh the dressing i have for it is ginger hen hackle, peacock hearl body and a yellow floss tail