Scientific name
Thymallus thymallus
Swedish name
Harr
Maximum length
up to 60 cm
Maximum weight
up to 2 kg
Spawning
Frühjahr direkt nach der Eisschmelze
Swedish record
Kapitale Fische über 2 kg

Technique in brief

Fly fishing is the classic method because grayling readily rise to dry flies and nymphs. Small spinners, spoons and wobblers also work, as does jigging with a mormyshka in early spring. It is usually found in steady currents behind stones and along the edges of channels.

Tackle

A class 3–5 fly rod, long and fine leaders, and small patterns from size 16. For spinning, a light rod with a casting weight of 3–12 g is sufficient. Wading boots with good tread are no luxury in the rocky rivers of Norrland.

Handling the catch

Grayling are sensitive to handling and warm temperatures. Barbless hooks, a short fight and unhooking in the water are standard; a fish that has been out of the water for a long time often does not survive.

Season by country

  1. Jan Quiet
  2. Feb Quiet
  3. Mar Good
  4. Apr Quiet
  5. May Good
  6. Jun Prime time
  7. Jul Prime time
  8. Aug Prime time
  9. Sep Good
  10. Oct Quiet
  11. Nov Quiet
  12. Dec Quiet

Prime time · Good · Quiet

The calendar shows bite windows, not closed seasons. Binding closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by the individual water and appear on its page.

Where in Scandinavia

Official sources

Checked: 04.08.2026

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for grayling in Sweden?

June to August, when the rivers of northern Sweden are warm enough for insects to hatch and the fish feed at the surface. In spring, directly after the ice melts, the species spawns — many stretches are therefore protected then.

Is fly fishing mandatory for grayling?

Not generally, but many of the best stretches are open exclusively to fly fishing. The restriction is stated in the rules for the fishing area.

Where do grayling hold in the river?

In steady, medium-fast currents over gravel, behind rocks and along the edges of channels. Unlike trout, they often remain in small groups.