artic-grayling
Species Facts

Science Name: Thymallus arcticus
Other Names: American grayling, bluefish, Arctic trout, sailfin, tittimeg
Ideal Temp: 42 to 50 F

 

Description

These fish have a colorful and very large dorsal fin, much larger than that of any other cold-water fish. Grayling have large scales with brown or black spots on the body behind the head. They have a black line in the fold under the mouth.

Spawning occurs from May to June, depending on the area. Grayling migrate from lakes and larger rivers to smaller streams to spawn. The males on the spawning ground are territorial and will drive away other males when confronted. Actual spawning occurs during daylight. Intense quivering by both the male and female, as the eggs and milt are deposited, displaces some of the bottom material and buries some of the fertilized eggs. No actual nest is built. After spawning, Arctic grayling return to the lakes and larger rivers. The eggs hatch quickly, 13 to 18 days after being deposited.

The Arctic grayling's diet consists of a wide range of both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Fish eggs and small fish may also supplement the diet.

Tips for Fishing

Quick to take a fly and likely to jump when hooked. Easy to catch with wet or dry flies, nymphs, small spinning lures and natural bait, especially salmon eggs. Grayling have strong schooling tendencies.