Arctic Grayling
About the Arctic Grayling:
These fish can be found in only a few areas of the US these days. They were once found all over the great lakes areas, but are currently limited to Alaska, MT, Canada and Isolated patches of Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park. I was fortunate enough to catch a few in some small backcountry lakes last time I was in the area. The arctic grayling was once found all throughout Michigan rivers but suffered a tragic ending by overfishing from the loggers in the area. Grayling coexisted well with the native brook trout, but were subjected to large quantities of fisherman who would keep all of these fish they caught.Many loggers in the area considered the grayling a staple food. While there were attempts to reintegrate them to the great lakes states, no success has been seen so far for this effort.
The Beauty of the Grayling
These fish are known for their large dorsal fins and bright blue colorations. While they are a perfectly beautiful fish specimen, they are not actually related to trout; however they do have similar requirements for survival. Arctic grayling require high oxygen content in the water, along with no contamination of toxic material.
Catching Grayling
These fish are not known for being selective feeders. They will eagerly accept flies of almost any type. Their lack of skepticism of lures and flies is what made them such a target for fisherman in much of the grayling's native area.
Most trout flies will work for these fish including nymphs and surprisingly dry flies.
Small lures such as panther martin spinners and hair jigs will also prove to be very effective for this species. With a small amount of tackle, you can easily hike into an isolated wilderness area and catch the beautiful arctic grayling.
These fish can be found in only a few areas of the US these days. They were once found all over the great lakes areas, but are currently limited to Alaska, MT, Canada and Isolated patches of Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park. I was fortunate enough to catch a few in some small backcountry lakes last time I was in the area. The arctic grayling was once found all throughout Michigan rivers but suffered a tragic ending by overfishing from the loggers in the area. Grayling coexisted well with the native brook trout, but were subjected to large quantities of fisherman who would keep all of these fish they caught.Many loggers in the area considered the grayling a staple food. While there were attempts to reintegrate them to the great lakes states, no success has been seen so far for this effort.
The Beauty of the Grayling
These fish are known for their large dorsal fins and bright blue colorations. While they are a perfectly beautiful fish specimen, they are not actually related to trout; however they do have similar requirements for survival. Arctic grayling require high oxygen content in the water, along with no contamination of toxic material.
Catching Grayling
These fish are not known for being selective feeders. They will eagerly accept flies of almost any type. Their lack of skepticism of lures and flies is what made them such a target for fisherman in much of the grayling's native area.
Most trout flies will work for these fish including nymphs and surprisingly dry flies.
Small lures such as panther martin spinners and hair jigs will also prove to be very effective for this species. With a small amount of tackle, you can easily hike into an isolated wilderness area and catch the beautiful arctic grayling.
