Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus)

Body Type & Identification: One of the most beautiful freshwater fish — distinguished by an enormous, sail-like dorsal fin with iridescent blue, purple, and pink spots. Silver to gray body with scattered dark spots. A member of the salmon family. The dorsal fin is proportionally the largest of any freshwater fish in North America.

Preferred Water Temperature: 42°F–58°F. A cold, clear-water species that thrives in pristine Arctic, subarctic, and high-elevation streams. Intolerant of warm or turbid water — an excellent indicator of water quality. Found where the water is clearest and coldest.

Habitat: Clear, cold streams, rivers, and lakes of Alaska, Canada, Montana, and Wyoming. Found in high-elevation streams in the continental US — Upper Missouri River tributaries in Montana and Wind River tributaries in Wyoming. Common throughout the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Often found in the same habitat as Arctic Char and Dolly Varden.

Best Lures: Dry flies on fly tackle are the quintessential Grayling experience — they rise readily to dry flies and small nymphs. A 3–5 weight fly rod with small Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Royal Wulff patterns is ideal. Small inline spinners produce strikes. Small Mepps and Panther Martin spinners are very effective. Small beadhead nymphs under an indicator produce consistent results.

Best Baits: Small worms and salmon eggs are effective. Maggots work very well. Small pieces of nightcrawler produce catches. Light tackle (4–6 lb) with very small hooks is appropriate. Grayling are not typically large — most are 10–16 inches — but are outstanding fly fishing targets.

Top 5 Destinations: Brooks River AK, Togiak River AK, Upper Missouri River MT, Gibbon River WY (Yellowstone), Yukon Territory Canada.