In Winter 2005 the Tweed Trout & Grayling Initiative became involved in a Grayling tagging project being run by the Tweed Foundation. The Initiative enlisted the help of volunteers from local angling associations to catch Grayling which were then tagged and released. Recaptures of tagged Grayling give information on Grayling movements and exploitation rates (i.e. the proportion that are later recaptured by anglers).


Tagged Grayling have a green Carling tag implanted just below the dorsal fin. The numbered part of the tag is always on the right hand shoulder. One tagged Grayling has been caught five times in just over a year. If you catch a tagged Tweed Grayling you can inform us through the contacts page on this web site.

The Initiative has also begun mapping Grayling spawning grounds in an attempt to assess the reproductive success of Tweed Grayling. Unfortunately high water levels hampered efforts during Spring 2006, however some mapping did take place.


The picture on the right was taken on the Leader Water and shows spawning Grayling. Grayling spawn in Spring and use fine gravel in the shallows at the back or side of large pools. During this time they become considerably less wary than they would normally be and when mapping spawning Grayling you can often get close enough to count individual fish.