A handsome Arctic Grayling being released by the author in Alaska
Arctic Grayling
Thymallus arcticus
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Arctic Grayling Description
Arctic Grayling are a smaller relative of the Salmon. As their name suggests, they are found in the far northern regions of Russia, Alaska, and Canada as well as a few places in the lower 48 US states such as Montana. They need clear, cold, clean water to survive. They are known as the Sailfish of the North due to their distinctive large dorsal fin.
Arctic Grayling can attain a maximum size of 30 inches, but fish that size are extremely rare. Most measure 10-16 inches, with anything larger than that being a pretty good size fish. Although at first glance from a distance they may appear a dull gray, when you look more closely their scales reflect different colors and they can be quite beautiful.
Grayling spawn in late spring/early summer after ice out, and then take up residence in pools in streams where they develop a hierarchy in each pool where the strongest fish occupy the best feeding locations near the head of the pool. Once colder weather comes, they head to deeper waters in lakes and rivers for the winter.
Grayling have voracious appetites during their short summer growing season and consume a wide variety of foods based on availability. They consume a lot of insects and insect larvae, crustaceans, and fish eggs when available. As they get larger they will also consume small fish.
Grayling do not fight quite as hard as Rainbow Trout, but they are scrappy and may leap out of the water to try to shake the hook.
Grayling are easy to handle and do not have sharp teeth or spines. I have never eaten one but they are supposed to taste good. Most are released.
Arctic Grayling Pound for Pound Fight Rating - 3 out of 10 on the Freshwater Scale
Grayling are not particularly hard fighters; some small head shakes, short runs, and maybe a jump if you are lucky. They are unlikely to tangle you in any cover. Their propensity to bite and their beauty make them a worthy fish to target however.
Arctic Grayling Tackle
An ultralight to light action spinning rod or 3 to 5 weight fly rod will handle Grayling. Monofilament line is often a better option than braid in many cases as they have fairly soft mouths and the stretch of mono results in less pulled hooks. 6lb line should be able to handle pretty much any Grayling.
Arctic Grayling Techniques
Grayling are often found below spawning salmon trying to feed on their eggs. At other times, look for slower pools in streams in the summer. They tend to nip at flies and lures rather than savagely engulfing them, but they often return time and time again to bite so you get multiple chances.
Arctic Grayling Lures
On spinning tackle, use small spoons and spinners in the 1"-1.5" size range. They have small mouths, so keep that in mind. A steady retrieve works fine.
Grayling are an excellent target for fly fishermen. They will take a wide variety of dry flies and you don't need a perfect dead drift to fool them. Egg patterns work well during salmon spawning season.
Thymallus arcticus
HOME
Other Species
Arctic Grayling Description
Arctic Grayling are a smaller relative of the Salmon. As their name suggests, they are found in the far northern regions of Russia, Alaska, and Canada as well as a few places in the lower 48 US states such as Montana. They need clear, cold, clean water to survive. They are known as the Sailfish of the North due to their distinctive large dorsal fin.
Arctic Grayling can attain a maximum size of 30 inches, but fish that size are extremely rare. Most measure 10-16 inches, with anything larger than that being a pretty good size fish. Although at first glance from a distance they may appear a dull gray, when you look more closely their scales reflect different colors and they can be quite beautiful.
Grayling spawn in late spring/early summer after ice out, and then take up residence in pools in streams where they develop a hierarchy in each pool where the strongest fish occupy the best feeding locations near the head of the pool. Once colder weather comes, they head to deeper waters in lakes and rivers for the winter.
Grayling have voracious appetites during their short summer growing season and consume a wide variety of foods based on availability. They consume a lot of insects and insect larvae, crustaceans, and fish eggs when available. As they get larger they will also consume small fish.
Grayling do not fight quite as hard as Rainbow Trout, but they are scrappy and may leap out of the water to try to shake the hook.
Grayling are easy to handle and do not have sharp teeth or spines. I have never eaten one but they are supposed to taste good. Most are released.
Arctic Grayling Pound for Pound Fight Rating - 3 out of 10 on the Freshwater Scale
Grayling are not particularly hard fighters; some small head shakes, short runs, and maybe a jump if you are lucky. They are unlikely to tangle you in any cover. Their propensity to bite and their beauty make them a worthy fish to target however.
Arctic Grayling Tackle
An ultralight to light action spinning rod or 3 to 5 weight fly rod will handle Grayling. Monofilament line is often a better option than braid in many cases as they have fairly soft mouths and the stretch of mono results in less pulled hooks. 6lb line should be able to handle pretty much any Grayling.
Arctic Grayling Techniques
Grayling are often found below spawning salmon trying to feed on their eggs. At other times, look for slower pools in streams in the summer. They tend to nip at flies and lures rather than savagely engulfing them, but they often return time and time again to bite so you get multiple chances.
Arctic Grayling Lures
On spinning tackle, use small spoons and spinners in the 1"-1.5" size range. They have small mouths, so keep that in mind. A steady retrieve works fine.
Grayling are an excellent target for fly fishermen. They will take a wide variety of dry flies and you don't need a perfect dead drift to fool them. Egg patterns work well during salmon spawning season.
The author's friend Gary with a big Grayling caught on the Little Ku River, Alaska
The author's Grayling caught on a fly on the Aniak River, Alaska
Arctic Grayling Baits
I have never fished for them with bait, but I imagine that, where legal, salmon eggs would be deadly.
Where to Catch Big Arctic Grayling
The IGFA world record Grayling was caught in the Katseyedie River in Canada and weighed 5lbs 15 oz. That was caught in 1967, so that record has stood for quite some time. Northern Canada and Alaska have healthy populations.
On the high end, this is a great place to go to fish for them: www.fishasl.com
Many of the Grayling pictured on this page were caught in the Aniak River in Alaska. This lodge is a great place to target Grayling: www.aniakriverlodge.com.
I have never fished for them with bait, but I imagine that, where legal, salmon eggs would be deadly.
Where to Catch Big Arctic Grayling
The IGFA world record Grayling was caught in the Katseyedie River in Canada and weighed 5lbs 15 oz. That was caught in 1967, so that record has stood for quite some time. Northern Canada and Alaska have healthy populations.
On the high end, this is a great place to go to fish for them: www.fishasl.com
Many of the Grayling pictured on this page were caught in the Aniak River in Alaska. This lodge is a great place to target Grayling: www.aniakriverlodge.com.
Grayling look eve better under water
A big Grayling from the Aniak River, Alaska